If it wasn’t for the great health care debate of ‘09, I bet Romney would be the GOP frontrunner for 2012 (however dubious a title that may be in 2009). But since we have been debating health care “reform”, it’s inevitable to look at what Massachusetts did a few years ago under then-Gov. Romney.
So now, if Obamacare passes, Romney will be left telling angry primary voters that the only real difference between the two plans is that he implemented his policies at the state level, while Obama did it through the federal government. Sure, it’s clearly worse if the federal government is implementing bad policies, but it’s hard to see how such an argument would pass muster with anybody but those who are already ardent Romney supporters. It’s sort of like saying, “As governor, I raised state income taxes, but the thought of raising federal income taxes — that’s an outrage!”
A Romney spokesman counters:
There are some similarities. For instance, the concept of the “exchange” where people can shop for affordable health plans was pioneered in Massachachusetts. But Mitt’s Romney’s health care reforms are different in several important respects. First, the bill signed by Governor Romney did not raise taxes. Second, its focus was on strengthening the private insurance market, and I don’t think anyone believes that Democrats have given up on their dream of a public option. And finally, Governor Romney believes states should be free to come up with their own approach instead of having Washington create a “one-size-fits-all” solution for the entire country.
I think Romney gets unfairly blamed for some aspects that were done by the legislature or his successor. But when its become known as RomneyCare, that’s how politics rolls.
Regardless how HCR ends in Congress, it’s a debate that’s going to stick around for quite a while.
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Tags: 2012, Mitt Romney
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I’ve said before that should have run (and should run in 2012) as a moderate, because that’s what he really is. This strong conservative crap is just that: crap.
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I own a mid-sized business in MA. When Romney was Gov, My taxes went down and my employees premiums went down as well. Romney didn’t stay long enough to tweak out any unforeseen problems. He vetoed the goodies that the MA legislature added LATER under Governor Patrick. The supposed problems with Romney’s health care program in MA are attributable to the changes made by the new governor – who has bloated it, over-regulated it and applied it to illegals. The cost of Romney care is less than 1.3% of the States budget. Patrick has chosen not to make Healthcare a Priority. If he would, the 1.3%, would be even less. Ma fiscal problems are a result of Patrick. He spends money like a kid in a candy store. In addition, Romney has stated that Individual states should determine health care issues in their states. This should not be mandated by Washington. a study was done recently shows that MA RESIDENTS still like the system. It seems MA HEALTH CARES biggest critics, DON’T LIVE IN MA!
ROMNEY / DeMINT in 2012!
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BOSMAN – That’s good to hear. I just Romney can make a convincing case when it comes to the primaries. So far he has laid low w/ regard to the HC debate but maybe he’s just wisely keeping his powder dry.
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my thoughts exactly when the compromise bill passed the senate. i doubt this was the plan all along but still the prez can’t be too upset that his likely strongest challenger just got handed a huge liability (i..e, diminished ability to criticize the president on the profligacy of health care reform
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He must have done that in a previous incarnation as a “liberal” Republican. Does anyone seriously think he would touch this issue today now that he is pandering to the right wing — oh, wait…he’s now reinventing himself as a more moderate Republican. Never mind.
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