Mitt Romney
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Former Massachussetts governor Mitt Romney launched his 2012 presidential bid by casting himself as the candidate most capable of solving America’s economic problems. Romney’s financial expertise gave him unique value to Republicans following his failed 2008 presidential bid as government bailouts, spending and deficits overshadowed social issues like abortion rights and gay marriage.
But it’s unclear whether Romney can broaden his appeal and capture the enthusiasm of the surging, anti-establishment tea-party activists as he runs again in 2012.
Romney faces a tricky problem with the GOP primary electorate as the face of Massachusetts’ 2006 health-care reform when he was governor, which is similar to President Obama’s 2010 health-care law in certain key respects. Like the federal law, the state bill requires every individual to carry health insurance and outlaws insurance companies from denying coverage because of preexisting conditions. It also extends coverage to almost everyone in Massachusetts.
ON THE ISSUES
Mitt Romney on the Economy
A former businessman and venture capitalist, said TARP was “necessary” to prevent total economic collapse but opposed 2008 auto bailout, calling Obama’s plans to help Detroit “sad” and “tragic.” In May 2008, said his plan to save auto companies was Obama’s model. Says tax compromise fell short in December 2010.
Opinion/Editorial: Tax Deal, Bad Deal
Opinion/Editorial: Let Detroit Go Bankrupt
Video: Romney’s 2007 CPAC Speech
Mitt Romney on Education
Romney has praised the federal No Child Left Behind law for its focus on standardized testing and teacher evaluations. He is a critic of teachers unions. He would like state and local governments to assume more power over education policy.
Mitt Romney on Energy
In “No Apology,” Romney argues climate change is occurring and that human activity is a contributing factor, but after supporting regional cap-and-trade system as governor, later backed away from it. Supports ethanol subisides and liquid coal to make U.S less dependent on foreign oil sources
Article: Romney Takes Heat on Climate Change
Mitt Romney on Foreign Policy
Romney has said U.S. forces should remain in Afghanistan until U.S. commanders say the job is done. But he has contradicted himself on the war at times, saying that the United States should not fight another nation’s battle for freedom while insisting that America should nurture democracy. He supported military action in Libya, but says Obama acted too slowly and appeared “weak.”
Video: Romney on Afghanistan Surge
Mitt Romney on Health Care
As governor, approved a plan providing nearly universal health-coverage to all Massachusetts citizens, including requiring everyone to carry insurance in an individual mandate, in what some say was a model for the Obama 2010 plan. But wants to repeal the federal reform, and argues key differences between the federal and state laws, including that the problem should be left to the states.
Opinion/Editorial: As first act, out with ObamaCare
Mitt Romney on Immigration
Romney opposes in-state college tuition for illegal immigrants, would crack down on employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants and would build a fence along the nation’s southern border. It’s unclear what he would do with the illegal immigrants who are already in the country.
Mitt Romney on Medicare Reform
Has criticized Obama for failure to offer a Medicare plan, but hadn’t offered specifics on his own plan in spring 2011. Says Romney and Ryan plan “on the same page” if not identical. In his “No Apologies” book, imagines reimbursing health-care providers by a fixed amount for same conditions, distributing flat-fees for all enrollees or handing out credits for high-cost plans to retirees.
Article: Romney blasts Obama on lack of Medicare plan, but offers sparse details of his own
Mitt Romney on Social Issues
In 1994, said he was personally opposed to abortion, but wouldn’t seek to overturn Roe v. Wade and described himself as firmly pro-abortion rights. In 2004, said he had watershed moment after meeting with stem-cell researcher and in 2005, vetoes a contraception bill for rape victims as governor, a decision he later reverses, calling himself “pro-life.” Firmly declared himself anti-abortion rights in May 2007. Opposes same-sex marriage.
Fact Check: Romney and Abortion Rights
Opinion/Editorial: Why I vetoed contraception bill
Mitt Romney on Social Security
Romney has said he would work to save Social Security. For future generations, he would raise the retirement age and slow the growth of benefits for higher-income retirees, partly changing the formula for cost-of-living adjustments. He supports allowing personal retirement accounts.
Mitt Romney on Tax Code
Romney says taxes must be lowered to grow the economy. He recommends making the George W. Bush-era tax cuts permanent, lowering corporate tax rates; eliminating taxes on interest, dividends and capital gains for people who earn less than $200,000 a year; and getting rid of estate taxes.
Mitt Romney’s Favorite Things
Book: “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card
Song: “Crying” by Roy Orbison
TV show: “The Mentalist” (a “process” drama)
Movie: “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” by Joel and Ethan Coen
Junk food: Over the Moon chocolate milk (low-fat and nutritionally virtuous)
Quotation: “The pursuit of the difficult makes men strong,” said by George Romney to his sons
Hobbies: Water-skiing, running
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