Outspoken Bachmann launches White House bid
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China Daily via Agencies, June 29, 2011
Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann kicked off her presidential campaign in Iowa, where a strong finish in the state's early nominating caucus could position the anti-tax Tea Party candidate as a serious challenger to more mainstream Republicans hoping to take on President Barack Obama in 2012.
An outspoken three-term congresswoman from neighboring Minnesota, Bachmann made the announcement on Monday in her birthplace of Waterloo. Iowa holds the first Republican nominating contest, conducted through meetings known as caucuses.
Obama will tout manufacturing as a key to US economic success during a trip to Iowa, as he seeks to counter criticism of his policies by Bachmann and other Republican presidential candidates who have descended on the state.
Tuesday's trip is Obama's first to Iowa since announcing his re-election campaign earlier this year. The White House insists the stop will be about the economy, not politics, though they are emphasizing Obama's ties with the state that jumpstarted his presidential bid with a victory in the 2008 caucuses.
"Iowa is clearly a special place for the president," White House Deputy Communications Director Jen Psaki said. "He spent a significant amount of time there and really got to know a lot of people across the state when he was running."
Obama will tour the Alcoa Davenport Works Factory, an aluminum-producing company, then speak with workers. The White House says the company's products are exported around the world, and are produced by highly skilled workers who earn wages higher than the national average.
The stop is part of Obama's effort to promote job-creation in the midst of an economic slowdown that has reduced hiring and weakened his job approval standing with the public. After last month's weak unemployment report showed an uptick in the jobless rate to 9.1 percent, the White House is warily eying the release of fresh jobs numbers on Friday.
The Midwestern state is also important for Bachmann as she battles for the Republican presidential nomination. Her popularity among Christian conservatives and tea party activists - she created the Tea Party Caucus in Congress - make her a natural fit for the caucus electorate. Iowa could pave the way for strong showings in other nominating contests.
"Her trick is going to be to maintain that boldness and to somehow rein it in and discipline it so it works for her and not against her," said Republican pollster Mike McKenna, who isn't working for any 2012 presidential candidates.
In Congress, Bachmann became known for trying to block Obama's healthcare law, which she is now promising to repeal. She has also tangled with Republican leaders in the House of Representatives over her concerns they are too timid on federal spending cuts.
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