Mitt Romney, the 2012 GOP presidential nominee, doesn’t support the breakaway group of conservatives who are open to forcing a government shutdown to cut off funding for Obamacare.
Speaking at a fundraiser in New Hampshire for the state GOP in Wolfeboro, Mr. Romney said he wants to get rid of Obamacare and “stripping it of funds has appeal.”
“But we need to exercise great care about any talk of shutting down government,” Mr. Romney said at a fundraiser in New Hampshire for the state’s Republican Party, according to prepared remarks. “What would come next when soldiers aren’t paid, when seniors fear for their Medicare and Social Security, and when the FBI is off duty?”
The former Massachusetts governor said that the GOP has better options for removing Mr. Obama’s health care law.
“I’m afraid that in the final analysis, Obamacare would get its funding, our party would suffer in the next elections, and the people of the nation would not be happy,” he said. “I think there are better ways to remove Obamacare.”
Sen. Mike Lee of Utah is leading an effort on Capitol Hill that calls on lawmakers to shutdown the government before they support a spending proposal that includes funds for Obamacare.
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The push has split the GOP.
Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas, Marco Rubio of Florida and Rand Paul of Kentucky have supported the idea, while Sens. John McCain of Arizona, Roy Blunt of Missouri and Tom Coburn of Oklahoma have shot down the plan.
The plan also has divided GOP governors. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker also has warned against the plan, and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has embraced it.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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