Romney Supported Federal Individual Mandate In 2009

The Republican presidential frontrunner often takes criticism for his previous support of a individual mandate. But the former Massachusetts Governor deflects blame for first implementing the idea by saying he took a state-based, "federalist" approach. In a June 2009 appearance on "Meet the Press," Romney touted both his plan and the Wyden-Bennet plan as models for national health care reform, both plans include a individual mandate. Romney's previous support for a federal mandate makes his health care positions even murkier, and has sewn doubt among conservatives that he will repeal the most controversial elements of the President's plan.