Ohio Gov. John Kasich wrapped up a six-state stump tour in the Idaho Capitol today, pressing for state legislatures to consider joining Ohio in calling for a constitutional convention to enact a balanced budget amendment. Kasich, who spent an hour with Idaho GOP lawmakers before a noon press conference, “noodling this idea,” in House Speaker Scott Bedke’s words, said he’s not telling other states what to do, and they can decide for themselves. But he wants to get the discussion going. Twenty-four states have passed resolutions calling for a convention; under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, it takes 34 states to convene one, and 38 to ratify whatever comes out of it.

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful for the American people to start talking about these big ideas, the power of the states?” Kasich asked. “All of a sudden, history comes alive. … This could breathe some real excitement into our country, and at the same time … we’d be doing the future generations a service.”

With just 10 states to go, Kasich said pressure is building on Congress to pass a balanced budget amendment on its own. “I think if Congress realizes we’re not backing off, they’re more likely to do it,” he said. “We’ll finally be able to hold the federal government to the same standards as virtually all states.”

He acknowledged that there are questions about the proposal, including how a convention could be limited to just the one issue, rather than opening up the Constitution to other potential changes. “Look, 38 states have to ratify whatever would come out of this convention,” he said, saying “fear” shouldn’t stop it. “It’s like being in a house that’s burning to the ground, and I don’t want to run out because I might get hit by a meteor.”

Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill, R-Rexburg, said, “We’ve been talking about this issue in Idaho for decades. … One thing I do know, doing nothing and standing around wringing our hands more and more years is not an alternative.”

Asked about his decision to expand Medicaid in his state, Kasich referred to the Bible. “That doesn’t inform all of my decisions, but it does have an impact on the way I think about people in need,” he said. “Empathy is one of the most important values."