In relation to the “equal pay for equal work” discussion, this quote seems relevant:

“Socialism, like the old policy from which it emanates, confounds Government and society. And so, every time we object to a thing being done by Government, it concludes that we object to its being done at all. We disapprove of education by the State — then we are against education altogether. We object to a State religion — then we would have no religion at all. We object to an equality which is brought about by the State then we are against equality, etc., etc. They might as well accuse us of wishing men not to eat, because we object to the cultivation of corn by the State.” – Frederic Bastiat

Once again, the issue at hand is not “should women receive equal pay or not?” but rather “will government mandates demanding equal pay actually benefit women or not?”  Mitt Romney had an excellent opportunity to address this issue, and completely failed to do so.