Mitt Romney on the Auto Bailout

I have to give Rick Perry’s campaign props for their opposition research.  This was fresh in my inbox during the debate in response to Mitt Romney’s position on the auto bailouts:

In 2008, Mitt Romney promised Michigan voters he would "spend billions more in federal money to bolster struggling automakers." He proposed a five-fold increase in federal funding for the automotive industry: $20 billion in new taxpayer-funded spending.

Romney claimed, "I’m not open to a bailout, but I am open to a workout," he said. "Washington should not be a benefactor, but it can and must be a partner." [1] [2] [3]

Gannett News Service called Romney’s plan a "massive federal bailout." [4]

The Associated Press said Romney "told voters what he thought they wanted to hear" and would "do whatever it takes to be president" after his promise to Michigan voters. [5]

The (Toledo) Blade said Romney’s auto plan "recalls the federal bailout of the ailing Chrysler Corp. in 1979." [6]

The Salt Lake Tribune said Romney’s "message of a government bailout" was "wholly inconsistent with his claims to be the real conservative in the race." [7]

SOURCES
[1] "Romney vows to aid car industry," The Detroit News, 1/15/08
[2] "Republican candidates prepare for Michigan primary," Associated Press, 1/14/08
[3] "McCain, Romney take different routes to win over Michigan voters," The Washington Post, 1/15/08
[4] "Thompson scattergun hits Huckabee, Romney, McCain," Gannett News Service, 1/18/08
[5] "Mitt won, authenticity lost," Associated Press, 1/15/08
[6] "Promise made in Michigan could backfire on Romney," Toledo Blade, 1/20/08
[7] "From now on, Romney’s home field edge is gone," The Salt Lake Tribune, 1/25/08

Yes Mitt Romney, the man of consistency!  Please!