CONSERVATIVE FIREBRAND Michele Bachmann will test the limits of how far a favourite of the Tea Party movement can go when she formally launches her campaign for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination today.
The Minnesota congresswoman, who promises to cut spending, shrink the government and repeal President Obama’s 2010 healthcare overhaul law, may well pull the Republican campaign toward the right in her bid for an upset victory.
After months of flirting with a run, Ms Bachmann (55) enters the Republican campaign with an event in her home town of Waterloo, Iowa. Her strong performance at a New Hampshire debate two weeks ago has given her a boost.
A Des Moines Registerpoll issued on Saturday of likely participants in the state's Republican presidential caucuses showed her in second place, with 22 per cent support, right behind former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, with 23 per cent.
Interviewed on the Fox News Sundayprogramme, she was confronted with what the interviewer called past verbal gaffes and mis-statements of fact, and he asked her: "Are you a flake?"
“That would be insulting, to say something like that, because I’m a serious person,” Ms Bachmann responded, listing her achievements as a former tax lawyer with a postdoctorate degree in federal tax law, a state lawmaker and businesswoman.
Her rise is proof that the Tea Party conservative movement remains a potent force after helping Republicans win control of the House in elections in November.
“The Tea Party was wildly successful because it was not personality driven,” said Republican strategist Scott Reed. “Bachmann’s challenge is to harness that energy and score an early state victory.
Ms Bachmann will be vying with conservative rivals such as former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty in Iowa, where social conservatives play a major role in Republican politics.
Her presence could dampen the chances that former Alaska governor Sarah Palin will make a late entry into the campaign, since their messages resonate with the same conservative voters.
Unlike Ms Palin, Ms Bachmann holds public office and has a role in the Republican Party, as head of the Tea Party House caucus.
Ms Bachmann’s brand of conservatism has generated such proposed legislation as the Light Bulb Freedom of Choice Act that would prevent the government from requiring Americans to use energy-efficient light bulbs.
“The question for me is whether she can get any establishment support,” said Republican strategist Matt Mackowiak. “We know she has Tea Party support. But the question is, can she gain credibility with the establishment, governors, senators, senior members of the party in and out of office.”
Ms Bachmann has rejected as “scare tactics” warnings of economic catastrophe if lawmakers don’t approve raising the US debt ceiling. “I have no intention of voting to raise the debt ceiling because, right now, the federal government continues to spend more money than what it takes in,” she told CBS. – (Reuters)