Michele Bachmann speaks during a Tea Party rally at the State House last month in Columbia, S.C
Posted on 05/26/2011 2:58:23 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
The potential 2012 presidential candidate with the most to lose if Sarah Palin throws her hat into the Republican presidential primary is Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.).
The two women appeal to both fiscal and social conservatives. Both are beloved by the Tea Party. And they would be strong contenders individually to win in the Iowa Caucuses and South Carolina primary.
But Bachmann, who is at the beginning of her third term in the House of Representatives, would have to compete with Palin's massive star power, national name recognition and fundraising ability. Which raises the question, would Bachmann even bother to run if Sarah Palin joins the race to compete against President Obama?
In light of recent news reports that Palin is considering a run for the White House, CBS News asked Bachmann that question today just off the House floor.
"My decision won't be dependent on the governor's decision or on anyone else's decision" Bachmann said.
Bachmann would not say whether a Palin candidacy would make winning the nomination more challenging for her. She said, ultimately, the decision will be up to the voters and that it's still going to be a while before the GOP field is set.
Referring to Palin, Bachmann said, "I have a lot of respect for the governor and for all of the candidates and so we don't know how long it will be -- people will continue to jump in the race - it could still be this fall. We don't know."
When asked whether she had spoken to Palin herself, Bachmann said she would love to, but "I don't have her cell phone number."
Bachmann is expected to announce her plans to run for President next month
(Excerpt) Read more at cbsnews.com ...
Michele Bachmann speaks during a Tea Party rally at the State House last month in Columbia, S.C
I’d like to see her go for Klobuchar’s Senate seat..
If both women enter the race, I will throw my support to Michele Bachmann.
MB’s response.
Living up to your screen name?
When CBS touts Palin’s “star power” I go with Bachmann ;-)
It’s okay for both her and Sarah to run for the nomination. When push comes to shove though, it’s Sarah for me in the Georgia Primary. After that, I honestly could think of nothing better than two conservative ladies heading up the conservative ticket, even if it is in the coward Republican Party. Together or individually, these ladies have more political cojones than ANY, repeat ANY, possible GOP RINO contender to date. I say a full-skirt ticket to beat a tutu pansy socialist.
RE: If both women enter the race, I will throw my support to Michele Bachmann
Interesting.... what makes Michele Bachmann a better POTUS candidate in your opinion?
I like Michele Bachmann a lot, but I like Palin even more and Sarah has the moxie and following to destroy Obama.
When (not if) Palin gets in the race, Bachmann will not be able to raise any money; it ill all go to Palin.
CBS is not touting Sarah Palin; it’s merely a statement of fact.
I agree, the woman with the abilities!!!
It doesn’t matter Palin is not running, read it right here. Everyone hates Palin, she can’t win, too much negative press, yada, yada, yada.
Crow is now being served.
Two good contenders. Excellent.
I reserve my judgement until there’s a tie-breaking jello-wrestle.
I just think MB will do better in the primaries.
I also feel MB is more electable than Palin.
Not that I do not like Palin. I like her.
I just think Palin’s negatives are too high.
I would like to see a Cain-Bachmann or a Bachmann-Cain ticket.
Wrong, fox says they still have a contract, and you cannot run for office using PAC money. She is not running.
Hmmmmm...a Bachmann/Palin ticket, enough to make blood shoot out of the eyes of every liberal and RINO.
Sound good to me!
Up until 3 days ago I agreed with you... now I am not too sure. Maybe I will stop guessing and enjoy the journey.
Brave words in the face of overwhelming odds. Gotta love Michele, but this isn't a fight she's going to win.
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