Many of these are half-truths or are frankly reasons why Kasich is stronger.
Firstly, nothing wrong being in favor of healthcare or of programs to help the sick and the poor. That is the morally correct thing. Though it seems some GOPers think that it is bad to help the poor. Which is why generally speaking the majority of the public hates the GOP. Suggesting Kasich has added to the budget is ridiculous. Kasich balanced the budget and we have an enormous surplus. We can afford to do what is right in the sight of the Lord and take care of the poor, the downtrodden, the bastard, and the widow.
On immigration I favor amnesty type programs, so that be a strength. Far better than the fantastical ideas and hate-mongering from Trump.
On war; if Kasich has criticized Iraq War, and this I have not seen, but if so then he is right, the Iraq War was a disaster. Throwing someone under the bus implies they were innocent. Bush was not innocent, he conducted a war based on a lie and many of our people have been killed and maimed and mentally screwed up in vain because of him. This is another reason why many people, especially of my generation hate the GOP for being liars and warmongers. Being in favor of peace instead of war is a good thing.
On crime, remember Kasich came into office in 2010 in the midst of the Great Recession and in the middle of one of the worst periods Ohio has faced in my lifetime. Nevertheless according to what I can see crime has decreased under Kasich.
Ohio Crime Statistics and Rates Report (OH) - CityRating.com
Just because Kasich is compassionate and has the more common sense than the typical modern GOPer does not mean he is weak on crime obviously therefore if crime has been decreasing, and is in fact significantly lower than it was under his GOP and Democrat predecessors. Even more amazing given the conditions for which Kasich assumed office, during a time of severe hardship. As far as giving drug treatment to people instead of throwing them into prison, this is the right thing to do, it is the right course of action to trying to solve both the drug and prison over-crowding problem in America.
In terms of the death penalty, the death penalty is highly barbaric and should be made illegal. So Kasich commuting death sentences is another strength of his. Especially in consideration that Kasich did the right thing and put a moratorium on the cruel and unusual practice of lethal injection after the botched and torturous death of an Ohio inmate in 2014.
Family, experts: Ohio execution points to flaws in lethal injection - CNN.com
Lol the narrative that Ohio got lucky with fracking line that Trump said is false. Not surprising coming from the most plastic candidate in the race. Automobiles and plastics were bigger drivers of Ohio economic growth than fracking.
CNBC debate: CNN's Reality Check team inspects the claims - CNNPolitics.com
Global warming might not be real, but climate change is. If Kasich wants be an ally in stopping negative man made climate change, all the better.
On Lehman brothers, another half-truth attack from Trump. Which of course is hilarious, Trump being one of the most corrupt people on earth at this time. Trump alleged Kasich was on the board of Lehman Brothers. You'd think Kasich was the CEO by what Trump says. Kasich was a simple investment banker and he got a bonus for good work and making his clients and his company prosper. Not his fault Lehman Brother's executives were corrupt like Trump and went bankrupt.
As for the hilarious pot attack, that issue lost in a landslide. Granted it as an off-year election, but I still can't see it passing here any time too soon. I know my people well and their sentiments. Pot might be legal someday in Ohio if more states join the green wall, but it won't be too soon. Ohio definitely won't be the first in the region.
As for the unions. This would be the Democrats only real attack against Kasich, but he does have the potential to counter it. Kasich actually tried to bust the unions. A very Reaganesque position. It went to a referendum by the people though, Ohioans generally like unions, so we blocked him. Kasich respected the vote and decision of the people, therefore no condemnation on him for trying to bust the unions. It also highlights how Kasich is willing to humble himself to the people and recognizes he is a public servant. Something I cannot say the same for Trump.
My conclusion Kasich is clearly the strongest. Kasich is like a stereotype of all that is good about Christian Republican principles. It seems though that a portion of the GOP has lost their minds and want to elect a stereotype of all that is bad about the GOP like Lex Luthor/Donald Trump.