Michele Bachmann

Bachmann arrived in Washington in 2006 after six years as one of the most socially-conservative members of the Minnesota Senate. Known for her strong Christian faith, Bachmann said that God had “called her” to run for the House, and that she and her husband fasted and prayed for three days before making the decision. A self-proclaimed “fool for Christ,” Bachmann and her husband own a Christian counseling center, where he currently works.

ON THE ISSUES

Michele Bachmann on the Economy

Opposed TARP and all “permanent” government bailouts, including that of the auto industry. Fought raising the debt ceiling, arguing that Treasury should be able to rearrange its payments to avoid default. Wants to make permanent Bush tax cuts and eliminate estate tax.

Michele Bachmann on Energy

Called June 2009 House cap-and-trade bill national “energy tax” and opposed it. Proposed that new drilling areas be opened in Alaska and Gulf of Mexico to help offset cost of 2008 Wall Street bailout, which she opposed.

Michele Bachmann on Foreign Policy

After Obama’s December 2009 speech announcing an Afghan war surge, questioned whether Obama was “truly committed” to victory. Opposes concrete timeline for withdrawal of U.S. troops and says U.S. must be “in it to win it.” Says U.S. shouldn’t have intervened in Libya.

Michele Bachmann on Health Care

Favors full repeal of Obama’s 2010 law, and insisted on up-or-down House vote in early 2011 or “insurrection” against House GOP leaders. Would reform the system to make all medical expenses, including health-care premiums, wholly tax deductible, supports expanding health-savings accounts and the creation of Association Health Plans that would allow small businesses to combine and purchase insurance.

Michele Bachmann on Medicare Reform

As a House member, voted for the Ryan Medicare plan, but said there was an “asterik” beside her vote because she would make changes to it. Wants to focus on “humanity” of situation and worried about shifting costs of health care to struggling seniors.

Michele Bachmann on Social Issues

A born-again Christian and former foster mother of 23, Bachman is anti-abortion rights (except in the cases of rape and incest) and has been endorsed by anti-abortion rights groups in her congressional bids. Opposes federal funding for abortions and recognition of any kind of legal rights for same-sex couples, pushing federal and state constitutional bans on gay marriage and legal rights for couples.

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