Romney defends healthcare plan

Mitt Romney's campaign is responding today to attempted hits by rival camps on the Massachusetts healthcare plan he helped enact as governor.

"There are those that just talk about health care reform, and then there's Governor Mitt Romney, who actually has a record of accomplishment on health care reform."

"Governor Romney’s vision and record of accomplishment on healthcare reform includes utilizing the free-market and innovation to get more people covered with private insurance while making care more affordable by reducing the number of free-riders and government regulations that are responsible for holding back the market and driving up costs," the statement continued.

The Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson campaigns are pointing out that today is the deadline for Bay State residents to obtain health insurance -- or risk possible tax penalties. After today, most insurers will not guarantee coverage by Dec. 31, and those without it by then will lose their personal exemption -- worth $219 -- on the state income tax form next spring.

Many Republicans oppose such mandates, and Romney in his own healthcare plan he is pitching as a presidential candidate is leaving such proposals up to each state.

Massachusetts' healthcare reform has been a delicate dance for Romney. It is a major part of his record of accomplishments as governor. But he has been disavowing more controversial parts of it, and has bashed Democrat Hillary Clinton's plan, though it shares key elements with the one in Massachusetts.