Romney pandering to the right

Speaking in Michigan over the last couple days Romney continues to try and make voters believe they are conservative.  Romney was quoted as saying: “Change must begin with us,” in reference to GOP overspending and scandals and challenges the GOP to “put our own house in order.”  This from a man that balanced the budget in Massachusetts by adding $500 million in fees, this from a man that proposed and signed socialized healthcare for Massachusetts. 

Romney goes further to say “When Republicans act like Democrats, America loses,” I agree with that, but it’s interesting that this comes from the candidate who has done more to act like a Democrat than a Republican.  As an example Romney on his campaign website in 2002 (from Mass Resistance):

“He [Romney] is a supporter of the federal assault weapons ban.” 
- Romney 2002 campaign website

Regarding the Brady Bill which required waiting periods to buy a handgun, Romney stated, “I don’t think [the waiting period] will have a massive effect on crime but I think it will have a positive effect.”
- Boston Herald, 8/1/1994

In 2004, Romney issued an official state proclamation celebrating “Gay Youth Pride Day” even though there was no legal reason requiring him to do this.   The proclamation proudly touted “landmark” gay rights legislation in Massachusetts and boasted of supporting “the Commonwealth’s gay and lesbian youth through school-based and educational programs.”

In 2002, Romney responded to the National Abortion Rights Action League’s  candidate survey: ”I respect and will protect a woman’s right to choose. This choice is a deeply personal one. Women should be free to choose based on their own beliefs, not mine and not the government’s.  The truth is, no candidate in the governor’s race in either party would deny women abortion rights.”

Mr. Romney is correct that when Republicans act like Democrats America loses, the problem for Romney is that he has been more Democrat than Republican in his “experience” as a chief executive.  I have been accused of being anti-Romney, let me say clearly that yes I am against Romney winning the Republican nomination, he’s not conservative and we definitely need a conservative in the White House.  This country can’t afford Romney’s type of change.

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