The rumors continue to spread that Michele Bachmann will be running for Senate. Heck, she's even fueling the rumors. While I don't believe she'll run against Amy Klobuchar, I am completely certain of one thing -- these rumors are good for Bachmann. These rumors keep her name in the news and if there's anything that Bachmann wants more, I'm not aware of it.
-- cross-posted from MN Progressive Project, home of the Michele Bachmann Bizarro World --
Rep. Michele Bachmann’s (R-Minn.) record-breaking fundraising is fueling speculation she is eyeing a run for the Senate in 2012 against first-term Democrat Sen. Amy Klobuchar (Minn.).
Bachmann spokesman Doug Sachtleben left the door open to a possible Senate run in a statement to The Hill. He said the congresswoman is focused on serving her constituents, but "nothing’s off the table for the future."
Bachmann, a media-savvy conservative who has seized the mantle of the Tea Party movement, cruised to reelection in the midterms and reclaimed her 6th district seat with a nearly 13-point win over state Sen. Tarryl Clark.
Bachmann brought in an eye-popping $13.2 million during the campaign, shattering the previous fundraising record for House candidates and eclipsing even the totals for many Senate campaigns, which are typically more expensive to run.
Bachmann has been working hard since she entered Congress on one and only one thing: her national image. While she has averaged 1 national media appearance every 9 days, the week before last she appeared 14 times. She raised over $13 million for her reelection bid and still has $2 million in the bank. She can raise several hundred thousand to a million with a single email.
Here's why she won't run.
- She maintains a high profile as a member Congress and Queen of the Congressional Teabaggers.
- Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) kicks Bachmann's butt in head-to-head polling.
- Bachmann's negatives are really high statewide.
- Klobuchar has a very positive image in Minnesota.
Here's what's going to happen. Bachmann will threaten to run as long as it continues to garner her national media attention. She will officially declare that she is not running at the last possible moment.