Mitt Romney in 2008 Speculation

On Health Care: State universal coverage plan is national test case

The program’s passage with overwhelming bipartisan support is a notable achievement. It remains to be seen how many uninsured people actually order policies. Romney remarked, “I wish I were going to be governor the next five years to see it through,” but he will step down at the end of this year and is preparing to seek the presidency. Meanwhile, his health plan gives him a unique calling card-and provides the country with an important opportunity to test one possible solution to a vexing problem.

On Principles & Values: Faces questions on Mormonism like Kennedy did on Catholicism

But he knows the real challenges lie ahead for him, just as they do for his health plan. One special test involves the public reaction to his Mormon faith. He thinks it won’t ultimately be a barrier but says, “At some point, I know, I will have to face all the questions about its tenets, just as John Kennedy did in West Virginia and in the meeting with the Greater Houston Ministerial Association,” when his Catholicism was an issue. “But I think tolerance will prevail again.”

On Civil Rights: Opposed gay marriage but played fair and upheld law

On Principles & Values: Not seeking re-election as governor; speaking around US

“My decision comes down to this: In this four-year term, we can accomplish what I set out to do,“ he said. ”A year from now, it will be time for me to pass that privilege to someone else. I will not be a candidate for re-election.“

Often describing himself as a ”red speck in a blue state,“ Romney has successfully navigated liberal waters as a traditional conservative. He has positioned himself as a reasonable and prudent politician who is open to discussions with all political persuasions, even where he is morally opposed to certain liberal causes.