Bachmann to Seek Re-election to Congress
Failed Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann announced today she will seek a fourth term in Congress, but political observers say she has her work cut out for her because of redistricting.
According to The Minnesota Post, Bachmann's 6th congressional district will likely be reshaped to cut out 100,000 residents by February. The change may lessen Bachmann's supporter base.
The Associated Press said the change may also force her to run against veteran House Democrat Betty McCollum of St. Paul.
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The Minnesota Congresswoman Wednesday told reporters that she would seek re-election. "I'm looking forward to coming back and bringing a strong, powerful voice to Washington, D.C.," she asserted.
Bachmann was in the 2012 race for the GOP nomination as recently as three weeks ago. She dropped out of the race Jan. 4 after she placed sixth in the Iowa caucus.
The congresswoman who fundraised over $7 million during the presidential race and spent $6,206,856 will likely have to start all over to reclaim her district.
But sources say Bachmann is a capable fundraiser. She collected $13.5 million in her last congressional race.
Bachmann is a favorite of pro-life activists and evangelicals. She received the endorsement of a 100 pastors and Christian leaders while on the presidential campaign trail. Groups such as Susan B. Anthony List also supported the Minnesota congresswoman.
Bachmann is also highly regarded among Tea Party members for her tough criticisms of President Barack Obama.
The support helped her gain momentum early in the race. Soon after entering the race last June, Bachmann finished first in an August Ames, Iowa straw poll. However, she lost momentum and funding after Texas Gov. Rick Perry entered the race.
It remains to be seen whether Bachmann's 2012 presidential race performance will affect her congressional campaign.
