If Romney had been the nominee and won in 2008, would we have the ACA?

[AggregateDemand]

We might have a bill called the ACA, but it would be cohesive policy, not fairy-tales for liberals. As Democrats are quick to point out, Republicans have been playing with the ACA format for a long time, but they know better than to mandate comprehensive insurance for all citizens, especially without making major reforms to Medicare/Medicaid spending.

[AggregateDemand]

Right, I'm sure seniors won't mind at all when their prescription drug benefit and medicare advantage plans are taken away. There's a surefire election winner for the Democrats. 

Less coverage is not a consequence of spending less money, unless you don't know what the hell you are doing.