Romney’s Health Care Plan Called ‘Formidable’ by Dem Strategist

ABC News’ Teddy Davis Reports:  While participating in a panel discussion about the 2008 presidential candidates, an advisor to Gov. Bill Richardson (D-NM) said Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney’s record on healthcare would prove "formidable" if he emerges as the GOP’s presidential nominee. 

"A nominee who has passed universal health insurance is a formidable animal in the general election," said Steve Murphy an advisor to Gov. Richardson. 

Anita Dunn, an advisor to Sen. Evan Bayh’s (D-IN) all-but-announced presidential campaign, concurred.

In April, working with a state House controlled by Democrats, Romney signed legislation into law making Massachusetts the first state to provide near universal healthcare for all its citizens. 

If he chooses to run, Romney would likely highlight his accomplishments on healthcare and possibly co-opt a popular issue on which voters usually give Democrats the advantage.

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY), a possible 2008 general election opponent to Romney, led a failed effort to provide universal healthcare during her husband’s first term in the White House. 

The Panel discussion, which was co-sponsored by the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics and the Hotline, took place at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC.