Pawlenty denies he pulled punches on health care

Candidate says he didn't soften criticism of "Obamneycare"

Published June 14, 2011 12:36PM (EDT)

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty answers a question during the first New Hampshire Republican presidential debate at St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., Monday, June 13, 2011. (AP Photo/Jim Cole) (AP)
Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty answers a question during the first New Hampshire Republican presidential debate at St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., Monday, June 13, 2011. (AP Photo/Jim Cole) (AP)

Republican presidential hopeful Tim Pawlenty is denying he softened his criticism of former Gov. Mitt Romney's health care policies in a nationally broadcast debate.

The former Minnesota governor tells CBS's "The Early Show" that he kept up his attack on the Romney health care program for Massachusetts in the debate among seven Republicans competing for the party's presidential nomination. On Sunday, Pawlenty had likened Romney's health care to the one pushed through by President Barack Obama, calling it "Obamneycare."

On Tuesday, Pawlenty said he didn't try to soft-pedal the issue in debate. Pawlenty did tell CBS he used the "Obamneycare" reference again "when pressed by the moderator." He repeated his charge that Obama used Massachusetts as "the blueprint" for the plan that he and fellow Democrats pushed through Congress.


By Associated Press

MORE FROM Associated Press


Related Topics ------------------------------------------

2012 Elections Republican Party Tim Pawlenty