The dust is still settling after last night’s historic action on Capitol Hill, but some of the key players in the 2012 GOP presidential field are reacting to the newly passed health care legislation. As you might expect, the reviews are not positive.
Former Alaska Governor and Fox News contributor Sarah Palin (R) wrote on her facebook page, “We’ve been reminded many times that elections have consequences. Yesterday we saw the consequence of voting for those who believe in “fundamentally transforming” America whether we want it or not… Yesterday they voted. In November we get to vote.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) sent a letter to Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson Monday asking her to review legal issues associated with the legislation. Pawlenty wrote, “It appears Congress may be overstepping its bounds by forcing individuals or businesses to buy insurance. I respectfully request that you review the legal issues being raised by this unprecedented federal mandate and join other attorneys general to protect the constitutional rights of our citizens.”
At least 12 attorneys general across the country have indicated they plan to file lawsuits to block implementation of the federal health care reform legislation on constitutional grounds.
Meanwhile, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (R) called it an “unconscionable abuse of power.” The 2008 GOP Presidential candidate added, “President Obama has betrayed his oath to the nation – rather than bringing us together, ushering in a new kind of politics, and rising above raw partisanship, he has succumbed to the lowest denominator of incumbent power: justifying the means by extolling the ends.”
Healthcare reform may turn out to be a crucial issue for Romney. In 2006, then Governor of the Bay State, Romney supported and signed the Massachusetts Health Care plan which some critics and analysts have pointed to as a model for President Obama’s health care reform plan.