2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumGOP Strategists Relieved By Michele Bachmann’s Exit
SAHIL KAPUR MAY 29, 2013, 3:40 PM
Michele Bachmann was as much a tea party hero as she was a constant pain in the neck for Republican operatives concerned with the partys national image. That stark contrast was well on display Tuesday as the GOP reacted to the Minnesota Republican congresswomans decision not to seek reelection in 2014: sorrow and disappointment from the right-wing faithful, relief and gratitude from operatives who want whats best for the party.
And as deeply as liberals detested Bachmann and everything she stood for, she was a dream come true for Democrats who profit politically from highlighting GOP radicalism.
Bachmann fit the political tea party moment perfectly, veteran Republican strategist John Feehery told TPM. But that moment passed.
A former House Republican aide said Bachmanns retirement will make it easier for the GOP to continue winning in her conservative-leaning district.
Crazy members of Congress come, crazy members of Congress go in both parties, the aide said. The biggest impact will be felt by reporters, who loved to quote her and get her saying outlandish things. The fact is that theres no reason Democrats should have ever made this seat competitive, and without Bachmann there now, it wont be.
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http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2013/05/michele-bachmann-retiring-republicans-reflect.php?ref=fpb
onehandle
(51,122 posts)Thor_MN
(11,843 posts)by a significant amount after the 2014 election.
Cha
(297,323 posts)a more deserving lying teabag.
Just weren't enough crazys to keep her afloat. You know it's bad when bachmann gives up her lucretive gov job with bennies. Oh, that's right.. she has a nice retirement package too, right?
NCLefty
(3,678 posts)and she's trying to get out of Congress before it does
warrprayer
(4,734 posts)she could be in serious deep shit