Candidates answer GOP attorneys general's questions at campaign forum

News outlets report on Saturday night's event.

Fox News: Candidates Respond to State Attorneys General at Huckabee Forum
Six presidential candidates participated in Mike Huckabee's presidential forum in New York City Saturday, fielding questions from three Republican attorneys general - Pam Bondi of Florida, Ken Cuccinelli of Virginia, and Scott Pruitt of Oklahoma. ... Texas Governor Rick Perry asked viewers to take a "second look" at him in his closing arguments (Lin, 12/4).

Politico: GOP Hopefuls Keep It Friendly At Huckabee Forum
[Perry stumbled] slightly when Cuccinelli challenged him on the assertion that an executive order would effectively repeal health care reform. "The executive order obviously gives you that authority [to repeal the law]," he told Cuccinelli. ... Cuccinelli shot back: "I just want to be real clear to make sure I understand this: You are taking the position that you can stop the implementation of a law passed by Congress, signed by the president, with an executive order?" Perry walked his comments back, saying an executive order could stop "parts" of the health care law (Schultheis, 12/3).

Los Angeles Times:  State Attorneys General Grill Republican Candidates At Forum
Romney was asked how he would defend in a general election the health insurance mandate that he instituted in Massachusetts -- since President Obama has cited Romney's program as a model for his federal overhaul. "I sure look forward to that because I would say, 'Mr. President, thank you for the compliment, but why didn't you give me a call? Why didn't you pick up the phone and ask me what I'd do differently,'" Romney said, offering his standard reply when the similarities between the two plans are raised (Reston, 12/4).