Afternoon Fix: Bachmann says headaches not an issue

The presidential candidate responds to a report about debilitating headaches, and her staff ceizes a reporter trying to dig deeper; Obama praises the Gang of Six; Brown leads Warren in an internal poll; and Hoekstra will challenge Stabenow.

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WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:

Presidential candidate Michele Bachmann responded today to a report that she suffers from severe migraine headaches and has been hospitalized as a result. “I have prescribed medication I take on occasion whenever symptoms arise and keep my migraines under control,” Bachmann said at an event in South Carolina. “My ability to function effectively will not affect my ability to serve as Commander in Chief.” When ABC News investigative reporter Brian Ross chased after Bachmann to ask her questions about the issue, he reportedly got roughed up by her staff. In response, Bachmann spokesman Alice Stewart said Ross was overly aggressive and that he “jumped on stage and rushed towards us.” “We didn’t have time for any questions, and we made it clear we had to leave, and he disregarded repeated requests to stay back,” Stewart said.

President Obama praised the Senate “Gang of Six” for its new budget deficit reduction package, but said leaders should also be prepared with the backup plan being negotiated by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.).

Former presidential candidate John Edwards could be forced to pay $2.3 million after an audit of his 2008 presidential campaign committee.

A new poll conducted for Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) shows him leading a prospective matchup with Obama adviser Elizabeth Warren (D), 53 percent to 28 percent. The Public Opinion Strategies poll also shows him leading other Democrats by even more and that has a 67 percent job approval rating.

WHAT YOU SHOULDN’T MISS:

Republicans reportedly just landed a recruit to run against Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) — former congressman Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.) — and a new poll suggests she’s very beatable. The EPIC-MRA poll shows her approval at just 38 percent, with 51 percent disapproving.

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) writes in a new book that China could bring the United States to its knees.

Grover Norquist hits back at New York Times columnist David Brooks, saying Brooks doesn’t do actual reporting. Brooks had written a column critical of Norquist’s rigidity against tax increases.

Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear (D) is up with two new ads for his 2011 reelection campaign — both geared towards pumping up his record on business and jobs.

A man who allegedly invaded the home of Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa) and his family over the weekend has been apprehended.

THE FIX MIX:

The U.S. Women’s World Cup team could have used this guy.