So in response to the NBC report, the Romney campaign downplayed Gruber’s role, contending it was limited to producing computer models for the Romney administration. He was not an adviser to the governor, according to the campaign, which did not release an on-the-record statement.
Gruber was certainly a ubiquitous and influential voice during the Massachusetts deliberations over health care, as he advised lawmakers and a variety of industry players. The Globe reported this year that Romney - the former businessman with a fondness for empirical data - was especially taken by Gruber’s models showing how an individual health care mandate would affect insurance markets.
Gruber said in an e-mail: “I was hired by the department of health care, financing & policy to help understand the impacts of reform on both coverage and costs in the state. I don’t know what ‘adviser’ means, but (a) they did pay me to help them (b) Romney did mention me personally in his bill signing speech and (c) Romney did appoint me to the connector board that oversaw implementation of the bill.’’
The effectiveness of the Romney camp background spin probably depends on how voters will perceive the difference between an adviser and a paid consultant. To a certain category of GOP primary voter already suspicious of Romney, it might seem like a small distinction. And it is highly unlikely the other candidates will dwell on the nuances.
Other Massachusetts players consulted by the White House, according to NBC, were John McDonough, a health care advocate, and Jon Kingsdale, the first chief of the Massachusetts health insurance exchange.
Christopher Rowland
Giuliani announces he won’t run for president WOODBURY, N.Y. - Rudy Giuliani confirmed yesterday he will not be a candidate for president next year.
The Republican former New York City mayor told a gathering of Long Island business executives that it is too late for him to join the competition to challenge President Obama.
