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LeBron brings joy to Ohio politicians

by Rebecca Shabad - 07/11/14 1:00 PM ET

Ohio politicians reacted with joy on Friday to LeBron James’s decision to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers four years after he spurned the city for Miami.

Gov. John Kasich (R-Ohio) said this is another win for Cleveland after the Republican National Committee announced this week the city would host the 2016 Republican National Convention.

What a great week for Cleveland, and it looks like Ohioans created another job. @LebronJames #RNC2CLE #253001newjobs

— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) July 11, 2014

Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio), who represents parts of Cleveland and Akron, said she was thrilled LeBron is returning home. He’s a native of Akron.

.@KingJames OH-11 is home. We’re thrilled the Q is your home court again!

— Marcia L. Fudge (@RepMarciaFudge) July 11, 2014

.@KingJames, thanks for completing the circle. You never forgot Akron and grateful residents know it.

— Marcia L. Fudge (@RepMarciaFudge) July 11, 2014

Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) said it was a “big week” for Cleveland.

Welcome home to NEO @KingJames! Big week for #CLE!

— Rob Portman (@senrobportman) July 11, 2014

Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio) said this was “more good news for Cleveland.”

More good news for #Cleveland… #LeBron returns —http://t.co/rt40sxEmvw

— Tiberi Press Office (@TiberiPress) July 11, 2014

James made the highly-anticipated announcement online for Sports Illustrated.

BREAKING: LeBron James is signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers. (via @SInow) pic.twitter.com/x9mFMPbz3t

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 11, 2014

“I’m ready to accept the challenge. I’m coming home,” he said, after explaining he didn’t realize when he left Ohio four years ago that Northeast Ohio is “bigger than basketball.” He has been playing for the Miami Heat.

The James decision wasn’t received as well in Florida, where the Miami Heat’s playoff expectations are likely to be diminished after four straight NBA finals.

Still, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) wished LeBron well.

Thank you to @KingJames for giving us 4 great years! Wish you much success back home in Ohio.

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 11, 2014

Rubio predicted earlier this week that LeBron wouldn’t move back to Ohio.

Congratulations to Cleveland on being awarded the #GOP2016 convention. But you still aren’t getting @KingJames back!

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 8, 2014

Cleveland was crushed when James left the city. The Cavaliers immediately became one of the worst teams in the league, and fans burned James jerseys in the street. That ill will seemed to be forgotten, however, by Ohio politicians on Friday.

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D) welcomed LeBron home and so did Rep. Steve Stivers (R).

“In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given. Everything is earned. You work for what you have.” – @KingJames Welcome home, LeBron.

— Sherrod Brown (@SenSherrodBrown) July 11, 2014