Romney and other GOP leaders have complicated histories with health law

Jun 1 2011

Two newspapers examine how for some Republicans, the health law has a complicated history.

The Boston Globe: Romney And Health Care: In The Thick Of History
The former governor has faced a fusillade from the right for the plan they call RomneyCare. But a look back at the birth of the Mass. law shows why he can't, and won't, back away. It was an amazing political feat, and no one's role was bigger than his. ... Six years later, the decision to press ahead with an individual mandate has had far-reaching and still evolving consequences. ... "Overall, it was a positive approach,'' Romney said in a Globe interview for this story. "I'm proud of the fact we took on a real tough problem and moved the ball forward'' (Mooney, 5/31). 

Los Angeles Times: Many In GOP Who Oppose Health Insurance Requirement Used To Favor It
Until the healthcare law passed last year, requiring medical insurance had a long history as a mainstream GOP idea. It was promoted by conservative policy experts at places like the Heritage Foundation more than 20 years ago. In the 1990s, the concept was championed by Republicans on Capitol Hill. ... Former Wyoming Sen. Alan Simpson, a conservative Republican who backed the Chafee bill in 2003, said many in his party seem to have adopted an approach that he described as, "Let's forget what we need to do and see if we can stick it to the Democrats … or stick it to the president" (Levey, 5/28).