Bachmann suspends campaign for medical treatment

Michele Bachmann
Michele Bachmann shown in February 2005 announcing her intention to run for Congress in the 6th District.
MPR Photo/Laura McCallum

(AP) State Sen. Michele Bachmann has suspended her congressional campaign while she enters a hospital for medical treatment, her campaign staff announced Monday.

Bachmann, one of four Republican candidates for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Mark Kennedy while he runs for the U.S. Senate, will be off the campaign trail for at least three days, spokesman Jon Dean said.

The campaign is declining to release the reason for her hospital stay, Dean said.

"For now, it's best left a private matter between her and her family," he said.

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Bachmann, of Stillwater, is an outspoken conservative on social issues and a leading champion of a proposal to amend the state constitution to ban gay marriage.

"I look forward to getting back onto the campaign trail in a few days, to continue promoting my positive message of progressive conservatism," Bachmann said in a statement. "Minnesotans can count on me to continue providing leadership with courage - I just need my body to heal first."

Bachmann, St. Cloud businessman Jay Esmay, Rep. Jim Knoblach of St. Cloud and Shoreview Rep. Phil Krinkie of Shoreview are seeking the Republican endorsement in the 6th District race.

Those seeking the DFL endorsement include former Blaine Mayor and Transportation Commissioner Elwyn Tinklenberg, and child safety advocate Patty Wetterling of St. Joseph.

The district covers most or all of Anoka, Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, Washington and Wright counties.