Ohio politicians were quick to welcome native/prodigal son LeBron James back home Friday after the basketball superstar surprisingly with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Their bipartisan glee was far different than his big “decision” four year ago, when “King James,” who grew up in nearby Akron, was pilloried by Ohio fans for leaving the Cavaliers for the fashionable Miami Heat.
“In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given. Everything is earned. You work for what you have,” said Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in a Twitter post, parroting a quote by James in a Sports Illustrated article that announced his decision to sign with Cleveland. “Welcome home, LeBron.”
“Welcome home to NEO @KingJames! Big week for #CLE!,” tweeted Republican Sen. Rob Portman, referring to Cleveland’s other big news story this week — the awarding of the 2016 Republican National Convention.
Republican Gov. John Kasich, in a tweet, jokingly congratulated his state for “creat(ing) another job.”
Other tweets by Ohio lawmakers include:
.@KingJames, thanks for completing the circle. You never forgot Akron and grateful residents know it.
— Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (@RepMarciaFudge) July 11, 2014
First, #RNC2CLE. Now, welcome home @KingJames! MT @SInow: EXCLUSIVE: I’m Coming HOME by @KingJames http://t.co/ne56xl7tT6
— Dave Joyce (@RepDaveJoyce) July 11, 2014
“In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given. Everything is earned. You work for what you have” – @KingJames….I couldn’t agree more. Welcome Home
— Congressman Tim Ryan (@RepTimRyan) July 11, 2014
Big week for Cleveland. LeBron James is coming back. What are your thoughts? @ThePlainDealer reports on his return: http://t.co/hJshJl6yMa
— Rep. Jim Renacci (@RepJimRenacci) July 11, 2014
And how did South Florida lawmakers respond to the news? Overall silence, though Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., did offer kind words to James for his four years in Miami, which included two NBA champions.
Thank you to @KingJames for giving us 4 great years! Wish you much success back home in Ohio.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 11, 2014
