Civil Rights & Justice
Romney: I Was Pro-Choice Before I Was Pro-Life. When confronted with his ever-changing positions on issues that matter most to conservatives, Romney used conservative heroes Reagan and Bush as his defense. Romney said, "Ronald Reagan was pro-choice, and became pro-life. I understand that George W. Bush was pro-choice before he came pro-life. Zell Miller was pro-choice before pro-life. And I was effectively pro-choice before I became pro-life. I don't think anyone questions the commitment on the part of those other gentlemen for pro-life principles. And, in my case, you don't have to take my word for it. You can look at my record as governor, because I made the move to pro-life some time ago. I've been governor. I've had several bills that came to my desk that raised the question of abortion or life, and I came down on the side of respecting the sanctity of human life every time." However, Romney misstated the facts. President Bush was never pro-choice. It’s becoming apparent to Romney that conservatives will forgive his former pro-choice positions because they have done so in the past. [1]
Recent choice stories
Romney: I Marched With MLK
People across the blogosphere have been documenting the bizarre excuses Romney has been throwing out there to explain his statement that his dad marched together with Martin Luther King.
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Romney Even Flips On His Own Dad
Mitt didn’t actually mean his father marched with MLK, when he said that remembered seeing it.
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Conveniently Suppressed?
Romney 'doesn't recall' attending a Planned Parenthood fundraiser, but the photographic evidence is at Blue Mass Group.
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Which One Is it Gov?
Mitt's twists and turns on abortion leave the voters wondering where he really stands:
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MUST READ: What else will Romney exchange for nomination?
]In the wake of last week's endorsement of Mitt Romney by Bob Jones III and Bob Jones University Dean Robert Taylor, a column in today's USA Today asks how far Romney is willing to go to smooth talk Republican primary voters into backing his campaign.
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Ethics
MA Senate Investigated Whether Romney Violated Ethics or Campaign Finance Laws by Hiring Bain & Co. to Conduct Policy Research. The Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee investigated whether Governor Mitt Romney's administration violated ethics or campaign finance laws by tapping his former employer, Bain & Co., to conduct policy research. Romney oversaw Bain & Co. for seven years before establishing Bain Capital, a separate venture capital firm. Bain Capital has strong ties to Bain & Co. According to Romney's statement of financial interests, Romney holds no financial interest in Bain & Co., but Bain & Co. employees donated about $12,000 to the Romney campaign. Bill Bain, the company's president, donated $25,000 for Romney’s inaugural party. [2]
Romney Flew On Special Interest Corporate Jet to RGA Meetings. “Gov. Mitt Romney and his top advisers flew to California this week on a corporate jet owned by a leading pharmaceutical firm, as he and the Legislature consider enactment of a universal health insurance law the governor labels one of his top priorities. Also aboard the aircraft Tuesday were three representatives for Pfizer Inc., owner of the $40 million Gulfstream V. They included a top government relations official at New York-based company, one of its New England lobbyists and a Republican media consultant from Boston who represents the company.” [3]
Recent ethics stories
Romney Hangs His Hat on Credibility... No, Really!
Last night's debate was yet another reminder of why smooth talking Mitt Romney keeps wracking up the silver and bronze medals, but just can't seem to make it across the finish line. After losses in almost every critical state heading up to next Tuesday, Romney's campaign has apparently decided that his last hope is to try to re-brand himself yet again -- this time as an "authentic conservative."
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Mitt Romney's Phantom Lobbyist Army
This morning, Mike posted the video of former Gov. Mitt Romney's meltdown when confronted by a reported from the Associated Press on the inconsistencies with Romney's rhetoric and his ties to lobbyists. Romney says that he "doesn't have lobbyists running...
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Mitt's Snit Shatters Credibility, Drives Him Out of South Carolina
Smooth talking Mitt Romney is at it again. Yesterday, Romney was caught on tape playing semantics with an Associated Press reporter over the role of lobbyists in his campaign. Romney grew visibly irritated when the reporter challenged his claim that he did not have lobbyists running his campaign or sitting in on strategy meetings, despite the fact that veteran Republican lobbyists like Ron Kaufman, Barbara Comstock and Al Cardenas have served as high-profile advisors and strategists since he announced his candidacy. [Associated Press, 1/17/08]
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A Multiple Choice Mitt Quiz
Which of these people do you think is least deserving of a pardon:
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The Daily Flipper
Read what the Republicans Wish You Wouldn't...
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Environment
Romney: Republicans Should Not Embrace the Ideas of Al Gore & Liberal Left. In 2004, when Mitt Romney announced Massachusetts’ first climate action plan, he told reporters that he didn't want to talk about "is there global warming or is there not, and what's causing it.” Romney pulled out of negotiations on a plan to control carbon dioxide emissions in the Northeast citing concern over economic impacts. Romney rarely comments about climate change. In a statement last month, he criticized Republicans for "embracing the radical environmental ideas of the liberal left." Romney said, "Republicans should never abandon pro-growth conservative principles in an effort to embrace the ideas of Al Gore.” [4]
Recent Environment stories
Gas Prices and the Memorial Day Weekend
Sky-high gas prices are putting the squeeze on working families this Memorial Day weekend, when about 32.1 million travelers will be riding by motor vehicle.
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Healthcare
Wall Street Journal: Romney’s Health Plan Will Lead to Higher Taxes, More Government Intervention. “[Romney’s health insurance] law is far from the market-based approach the Governor claimed… the state is forcing people to buy insurance many will need subsidies to afford, which is a recipe for higher taxes and more government intervention down the road.” [5]
Recent health care stories
Romney Finally Gets His
Mitt Romney takes Michigan in the Republican Presidential primary, offering four more years of the Bush presidency.
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Mitt Promises Third Bush Term
Mitt's millions may have bought himself a second-place showing at the Iowa caucuses, but he can’t buy credibility. Even Republicans think Romney is telling them what he thinks they want to hear instead of what he really believes.
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Conveniently Suppressed?
Romney 'doesn't recall' attending a Planned Parenthood fundraiser, but the photographic evidence is at Blue Mass Group.
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Which One Is it Gov?
Mitt's twists and turns on abortion leave the voters wondering where he really stands:
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Mitt's Millions Can't Buy Iowans Health Care Reform
On the same day the Los Angeles Times reported that cancer survivors could be left out of the leading Republican presidential candidates' health care proposals, smooth talking Mitt Romney is slated to discuss health care at Des Moines University today.
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Immigration
Romney Rejects Guest-Worker Program; Called for Change in Policy of Granting Citizenship to Those Born on American Soil. At a Phoenixpress conference, Romney said, "My view is there should be no advantage for those that are here illegally in pursuing a course of permanent residency." He indicated opposition to a guest-worker program because it would "substantially increase the number of individuals who would come through on a temporary worker basis and open a path for citizenship for them, as well." Romney indicated a willingness to change U.S.policy of granting citizenship to babies born in the U.S.to illegal immigrants. [6]
Romney Denounced McCain/Kennedy Immigration Reform Bill. He denounced Senator McCain’s bill for immigration reform. He said, "McCain-Kennedy isn't the answer.” This represents a shift from an earlier position. [7]
Recent immigration stories
Lingering Lawn Care Problems Reveal Romney's Hypocritical Immigration Flip-Flops
Smooth talking Mitt Romney's blatant hypocrisy on immigration reform is on full display today. One year ago, the Boston Globe revealed that Romney had employed a landscaping company that used undocumented workers on the lawn of his Belmont mansion.
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Strike Two
Romney nixes landscaping company after hiring undocumented workers... again.
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The Immigration Run Around
Mitt and Rudy's ever-evolving positions:
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Romney Ducks Debate, Dodges Key Issues
Today, Nevadans will get a first-hand look at the contrast between the strong Democratic presidential candidates who took part in last night's DNC-sanctioned debate in Las Vegas and smooth talking Mitt Romney's empty rhetoric and crass flip-flopping.
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AD WATCH: New Ad No Sanctuary for Romney’s Immigration Hypocrisy
As he raises campaign cash in Nevada today, Mitt Romney is hitting the airwaves with a new radio ad aimed at convincing Iowa and New Hampshire voters to ignore his record of flip-flops and hypocrisy on immigration reform.
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Iraq
Romney: America Underprepared for Iraq War; Reaffirmed Support for Troop Escalation and Bush. Former Governor Romney reaffirmed his support for President’s Bush proposed troop escalation in Iraq. Romney said, “We were underplanned, underprepared, we were understaffed in terms of our military team.” Romney faults U.S. policy in the region for current conditions. Romney said, “We have, to a certain degree, created the difficulty that we are in.” However, he voiced support for the President’s plan to send 21,500 additional troops to the region. He said, “I think it has a reasonable probability of success, not necessarily a high priority;” noting that, “If it does not work we will know that in a matter of months, not years, and we can adjust our strategy.” Romney also said he does not believe supporting President Bush is a political liability. He said, “I think politically the pundits would tell you- you should get as far away from the president as you can, you should establish a different view, you should say it is wrong.” He added, “That may well be the political right thing to do, but it just happens to be the wrong thing to do.” [8]
Recent Iraq stories
Romney Labors Over Latest Iraq Position: Admits There's a Civil War, But Still Won't Change Course
While Mitt Romney finally conceded that Iraq is in the midst of a civil war, he once again refused to break from President Bush's failed strategy. When asked by New Hampshire voters what he would do in Iraq if elected, Romney yesterday echoed President Bush's empty rhetoric in support of the troop surge.
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Shifting Rhetoric, But Still No Iraq Plan From Romney
Romney is back in Iowa today, on the same day a Bloomberg News report highlights his efforts to shield himself from widespread opposition to President Bush's conduct of the war by shifting his rhetoric.
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Goofs, Gaffes, and Flip-Flops Cast a Cloud over Romney’s Sunshine State Visit
After a day like yesterday, smooth talking Mitt Romney could really use a day in the Miami sun. Romney returns to Florida after a day of media reports detailing a string of goofs, gaffes and flip-flops that highlighted his superficial knowledge of foreign policy issues, reminded voters of his flip-flops on social issues, and underscored his efforts to recycle President Bush’s failed domestic agenda.
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Romney the Ignorant
Specifically, he claimed that the United States "can have a presence in the region" without permanent bases in Iraq because the U.S. "has bases in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar." You'd expect somebody running for president to know that President Bush withdrew virtually all U.S. troops and closed all U.S. bases in Saudi Arabia in 2003.
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Romney Finally Commits to Iraq Timeline...Sort Of
Under pressure for ignoring Iraq in his stump speech, failing to offer a plan for the future, and displaying a “superficial” knowledge of the war when asked about it, smooth talking Mitt Romney finally responded: he’ll make up his mind sometime before 2057.
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Social Security
Romney is Weighing Deep Cuts to Social Security. “[Romney] is weighing… deep cuts in automatic-benefit programs such as Medicare and Social Security. [9]
Recent Social Security stories
Mitt Promises Third Bush Term
Mitt's millions may have bought himself a second-place showing at the Iowa caucuses, but he can’t buy credibility. Even Republicans think Romney is telling them what he thinks they want to hear instead of what he really believes.
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Another Week, Another Chance for the Republican Presidential Field to Duck Hard Questions
Tonight, the AARP will be hosting a forum for the Republican candidates in Iowa to address issues important to America's seniors but only one of the Republican frontrunners will attend as the others cited "scheduling conflicts."
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Taxes/Deficit
Romney Bragged about Support for Bush Tax Cuts. During a November 2006 press conference held in Arizona, Romney outlined differences between himself and McCain. Romney said he was quicker than McCain to endorse President Bush's tax cuts. [10]
Romney Earned "C" on Cato Institute Fiscal Report Card Because He Raised $500 Million in Fees. "Romney's fiscal policies in Massachusetts have received mixed marks from conservative watchdogs. The tax-averse Cato Institute gave Romney a 'C' on its 2006 fiscal report card, saying the former governor...failed to hold the line on taxes. 'His first budget included no general tax increases but did include a $500 million increase in various fees,' noted Cato Institute budget director Stephen Slivinski." [11]
Recent taxes/deficit stories
Romney Hangs His Hat on Credibility... No, Really!
Last night's debate was yet another reminder of why smooth talking Mitt Romney keeps wracking up the silver and bronze medals, but just can't seem to make it across the finish line. After losses in almost every critical state heading up to next Tuesday, Romney's campaign has apparently decided that his last hope is to try to re-brand himself yet again -- this time as an "authentic conservative."
Read More · Link to this Article
Romney Finally Gets His
Mitt Romney takes Michigan in the Republican Presidential primary, offering four more years of the Bush presidency.
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Mitt Promises Third Bush Term
Mitt's millions may have bought himself a second-place showing at the Iowa caucuses, but he can’t buy credibility. Even Republicans think Romney is telling them what he thinks they want to hear instead of what he really believes.
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Tax Evaders For Mitt
We've all heard about business setting up "shell" companies overseas in order to take advantage of tax loopholes and avoid paying their fair share.
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When Will "Fee-Fee" Romney Defend His Real Record?
Just days after misrepresenting and exaggerating his economic record during this week's CNBC Republican presidential debate, Mitt Romney is taking his relentless campaign to distract from his failed leadership to Oklahoma City and Phoenix.
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Veterans
2002: Romney’s Health Care Plan Proposed Consolidating Department of Veteran Affairs into Public Health Division. Romney’s “Strong Medicine” health care plan, announced in August, demoted the Department of Veterans Affairs from a stand-alone agency to one of 13 sub-agencies - including the Department of Corrections - of a new Public Health department. [12]
Veterans Denounced the Plan. Ralph Cooper, a Vietnam veteran and veterans’ advocate, said of Romney’s plan: “When someone talks about refurbishing the Department of Veterans Affairs and putting them under public health along with corrections - they’re going to put prisoners and veterans together! - the heroes of this Commonwealth, the men and women who are represented here who have died for this country, would roll over in their graves to have something like that happen.” [13]
Spokesman Defended Romney’s Proposal. Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom defended the proposal to demote the Department of Veterans Affairs to the Boston Globe and accused Shannon O’Brien of “playing politics” on veterans issues. However, Fehrnstrom didn’t accuse seniors of playing politics when they criticized Romney for eliminating the Office of Elder Affairs in his health care plan. Romney quickly backtracked on that position and Eric Fehrnstrom said, “We heard from elder advocates about the importance of having a voice at the cabinet level and so we have acted in response." [14]
Footnotes
[Politico, 2/25/07]
[Boston Globe, 5/4/03]
[Boston Globe, 12/2/05]
[Monitor, 3/12/07]
[Editorial, Wall Street Journal, 4/12/06]
[BostonGlobe, 3/16/07]
[BostonGlobe, 3/16/07]
[NewsMax.com, 2/9/07]
[Bloomberg, 2/7/2007]
[East Valley Sun, 11/14/06]
[Boston Herald, 2/8/07]
[Romney “Strong Medicine” health plan, 8/6/02]
[Cooper speech, 9/30/02]
[Boston Globe, 10/1/02, Associated Press, 8/24/02]
