Conservative organizer calls on Bachmann to exit presidential race

Posted at 11:29 AM on October 27, 2011 by Mark Zdechlik (5 Comments)
Filed under: Michele Bachmann

The president of a group called American Majority says Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann could damage the tea party movement as her presidential campaign shifts its focus to social issues.

On his organization's website Ned Ryun writes that Bachmann threatens to drive support away from the tea party.

"It is clear that the [Bachmann] campaign has become less about reform and more about her personal effort to stay relevant and sell books; a harsh commentary, but true. It's not about tea party values or championing real plans to solve real problems. While other campaigns are diving into the substance, the supposed tea party candidate Bachmann is sticking to thin talking points and hanging on for dear life."

The Bachmann campaign did not immediately respond to Ryun's remarks.

UPDATE: Bachmann 2012 National Campaign Manager Keith Nahigian issued the following statement in response to Ryun's assertions about Bachmann's presidential campaign.

The strength of the Tea Party is all individual's opinions are valued but the no single leader speaks for it. Mr. Ryun, who supports Texas Gov. Rick Perry, is entitled to his own opinion. And that's exactly what he is expressing. Michele Bachmann enjoys strong support from Americans across partylines and that certainly includes the Tea Party. She will continue to be a strong advocate for the values and principles reflected by the Tea Party as works toward a victory in the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses as she seeks to win the Republican nomination.

Comments (5)

The tea party already has so little mainstream support. I can't see how they're hurt by Bachmann hanging around and picking the pockets of rubes.

Posted by Disco | October 27, 2011 12:16 PM

Tea party is not dead. It is however angry its reps are playin politics and not dealin with the waste on both sides of the aisle. They did not move the souls of America to continue this disabling partisan partnership. The candidate who quits kissin up to whoever they are talkin to we,lll listen.

Posted by Emil | October 27, 2011 1:04 PM

Once the tea baggers became allied with the Repubniks and evangelicals, it became "Please Flush After Use"! Thanks, tea baggers, for totally turning off mainstream America. Hope you find some more of those Cu Clux Christians to carry your putrid message!

Posted by wayne | October 27, 2011 2:19 PM

As usual, the blogger's headline and tendentious and deceptive because it omitted the key fact: Ned Ryun is a supporter of Rick Perry Presidential campaign.
Also,he does not "speak for the Tea Party.

Posted by Derek Wain | October 28, 2011 7:53 AM

@Emil, the T Party may not be dead, but it's grimly illiterate. Whom did you seek to impress by channeling Ms Palin in text?

Posted by Ralph Crammedin | October 28, 2011 7:59 AM

Services

• Hourly Newscast
• HD Radio
• iPhone App / Mobile
• E-mail newsletters
• RSS feeds
• Podcasts
• Submit your photos
• Videos
• Weather
• Most e-mailed stories