(4 of 4)
In these struggles and others, Kasich can count on Gingrich to be on his side, at least up to a point. When they were still in the minority, Gingrich was a crucial ally in Kasich's bid to vault over more senior Republicans for the top spot on the Budget Committee. Similarly, Gingrich protected Kasich when he voted last summer for Clinton's crime bill--an act of party betrayal that might have cost him his chairmanship. Many are still rankled because Kasich not only supported the bill but lectured fellow Republicans on the virtues of ``coming toward the middle to serve our country.''
While colleagues respect his commitment and his expertise, Kasich's truncheon-like style has proved to be a problem when it comes to more delicate aspects of his job. Some Republicans grumble that the chairman is well on his way to becoming the most unpopular member of the House. Then again, says G.O.P. consultant Paul Wilson, ``he doesn't really care who likes him. He'll take on anybody. He's like the kid from the neighborhood who picks a fight to show the bigger boys he can beat 'em.'' Kasich insists that his first month as chairman has made him a bit wiser. ``I've learned a lot about people,'' he said. ``I've learned that you have to slow down a bit and that you have to take an extra breath.'' And then take out the knives.
--With reporting by Michael Duffy and Suneel Ratan/Washington
-QUOTE- "He'll take on anybody. He's like the neighborhood kid who picks a fight to show the bigger boys he can beat 'em."