Romney’s federalist defense of RomneyCare not a big hit thus far

He notes in the book, “My own preference is to let each state fashion its own program to meet the distinct needs of its citizens. States could follow the Massachusetts model if they choose, or they could develop plans of their own.” Two pages earlier he writes that he was able to obtain federal cooperation because his experiment could be a model for other states, but four pages later, he notes that from the beginning he warned that what worked in the Bay State might not work in California or Texas.

And so it is that Romney’s opponents accuse him of wanting to have it both ways. His critics’ question is: Precisely what does he think is good about the reform law he signed, and what wouldn’t he want for other states?

“He obviously was very involved in the process and knows a lot about it, and that’s why his vagueness is so galling,” said an adviser to one of Romney’s rivals for the nomination. “Which parts does he like for which states?”

South Carolina political consultant Richard Quinn, who would advise Jon Huntsman’s presidential effort, put it this way: “Governor Romney keeps saying his health care program has some good parts that can be a model for other states. Which parts of government-run health care does he like? The unconstitutional mandates? Bringing an end to competition in health care? Higher taxes? Massive new government spending? I don’t think South Carolina wants any part of that.”