Patrick: Health care ruling affirms role of gov't

BOSTON (AP) -- Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is calling the Supreme Court's health care ruling is a victory for the role of government in helping people help themselves.

Patrick said the 2010 federal law, which was inspired by Massachusetts' 2006 health care law, gives families more security, holds insurers accountable and helps Americans get the care they need.

The Democratic governor also praised former Gov. Mitt Romney for signing the state law while faulting him for his opposition to the federal law upheld by the court.

Patrick said none of the "list of horrors" that Romney predicts will happen under so-called "Obamacare" has happened in Massachusetts under "Romneycare."

Patrick is a friend and political ally of President Barack Obama, who signed the 2010 law, and serves as a co-chairman of the president's reelection committee.