GOP candidate: LeBron not top concern

Updated: June 23, 2010, 4:43 PM ET

Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Republican seeking to unseat Ohio's governor this fall says he's "not singing in any chorus" to persuade LeBron James to stay in the state.

Former U.S. Rep. John Kasich told FOX News radio host Alan Colmes last week that, compared to the 400,000 people who've lost their jobs, the last person he's worried about is the two-time NBA MVP for the Cleveland Cavaliers. James becomes a free agent July 1.

In the interview, Kasich also says "we all hope he'll stay in Cleveland."

Gov. Ted Strickland, a Democrat, last month participated in an online sing-along video pleading James to stay with the Cavs.

The Ohio Democratic Party has launched the mocking website "Ohioans Against LeBron," featuring a photo of Kasich and an interview excerpt.