Bachmann sources tell me that Charlie Black, the longtime GOP power broker and Romney backer, is reaching out to the Minnesotan, urging her to back the former Massachusetts governor. But Bachmann has rebuffed the overtures, sources say.
“We’re not endorsing anyone,” one source says. “They’re trying to get us to sign on, but there has been no commitment on our end. She will not endorse before South Carolina, she probably won’t endorse before Florida, and she may not endorse even when the likely nominee emerges.”
Bachmann has mixed feelings, sources say, about the remaining contenders. She respects aspects of Ron Paul’s fiscal arguments, but she has problems with his foreign-policy positions. She agrees with Rick Santorum on social issues, but she has concerns about his congressional spending record. And she is unenthusiastic about both Gingrich and Romney.
“She’s listening but she’s doing things slowly right now,” the source explains.
Bachmann is also keeping an eye on her congressional seat. Sources says she will “probably” run for reelection but her final decision will depend on how the district is drawn by state legislators. “Unless it’s really nasty looking, or it becomes a Saint Paul seat, I bet she runs,” says one insider.
In coming days, expect Bachmann to reach out to local reporters, giving them a chance to interview her. But for now, she’ll keep a low profile. After she left the race, Bachmann went to Florida for a week and relaxed. One of the trip’s highlights: spending time with Rush Limbaugh, who was celebrating his birthday.
If Newt can get Bachman, Perry and Palin he'll have the endorsement of all the sub 85 IQs in the republican party. HAHAHA
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseThis wouldn't be enough to get me excited about Romney but, conversely, it might be enough to give those squishy moderates and independents pause in supporting Romney. This is too much like the McCain tap of Palin in 2008, which was somewhat fresh and unexpected then. This time around I don't think it would energize the base, I think it would just feel forced and false. Plus Bachmann is almost as much a lightning rod for the squishes and libtards as Palin was. Besides, Bachmann just didn't catch on with anyone but Glenn Beck. I like her a lot better in Congress - if she can keep her seat.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI certainly hope Romney doesn't mean he wants her to be his VP, as possibly the only worse pick would be Ron Paul. I think he's mostly asking for her endorsement to pick up "Conservative" credentials (intentional big "C" there).
This would make me think less of Romney as Bachmann's over-wrought attack on Gardasil was the political equivalent of flying her candidacy kamikaze-style into Perry's. Sadly, I think the attack worked as it put Perry far back on his heels into a defensive posture that didn't play well along with his shortcomings in the debates.
But if anything will make me consider Gingrich or Santorum at this point over Romney, Bachmann's presence in the campaign for Romney would be it.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI think the Romney camp was looking for an endorsement, not a VP.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI think y'all are right: I don't know now why I read the post to suggest that Bachmann was being put forward as a running mate.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseSo when are you going to have it clarified which was the exact source of the "Bachmann endorsement" forgery?
It's obvious that is Romney-connected, but who exactly in the camp accepted to stoop as low as all that, even for their standards?
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseAs for the congressional seat currently held by Michele Bachmann, the Republican legislature drew new district lines, but the Democratic party governor vetoed them. The matter is now in the hands of the courts (as it has been for several redistricting efforts). A ruling is expected any day now, though probably not until next week.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseAs a fellow Minnesotan who has followed Michele's fortunes as one of the state's eight House members, I am only eager to have her retain her seat here. For non-Minnesotans, you cannot imagine the relentless, hysterical abuse she receives at the hands of our ultra liberal newspapers, equally liberal intellectual elites, and virtually every registered Democrat in the state. It's as though she is the Devil incarnate (oops -- our progressives don't countenance any religious reference; they're too cool). Without her, and her like-mindedHouse colleagues, John Kline and Erik Paulsen, I would lose my mind here in liberal la-la land. As for her endorsement, I hope she chooses to remain above the internecine fray.
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