T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol Reporter

Sen. Michele Bachmann will carry the Republican banner in the 6th Congressional District race, beating three male challengers on Saturday, May 6 to win party endorsement.

ìOur mission is to kick some serious tail between now and November,î Bachmann told the Republican delegates at Monticello High School after winning endorsement.

Bachmann, 50, who represents District 52 and the Forest Lake area, was unanimously endorsed by the convention after just missing endorsement in the first ballot by a dozen votes.

Even combining the percentages garnered in the first round by challengers Rep. Phil Krinkie, R-Lino Lakes, Rep. Jim Knoblach, R-St. Cloud, and St. Cloud businessman Jay Esmay, did not surpass Bachmannís lead ó fiscal hawk Krinkie trailed the pack.

They had expected Bachmann to win the first ballot, said Krinkie after the first vote.

They didnít expect by so much, he explained.

Bachmann gained eight votes in the second ballot, putting her a handful of delegates away from besting the 60 percent endorsement threshold.

ìWeíre down to three votes,î a beaming Bachmann repeated to delegates while patrolling the auditorium after the second ballot.

A third ballot was taken, but all three challengers stepped out onto the stage and endorsed Bachmann.

3 will abide

All three challengers have indicated they will abide by the endorsement.

First elected to the Senate in 2000, Bachmann has become the conservative face of the same-sex marriage amendment debate at the Capitol.

Her flat-toned pleas on the Senate floor for a constitutional amendment vote and the emotional Senate committee hearings on the marriage issue have drawn Bachmann extensive media coverage.

Indeed, one question that dodges Bachmann is whether she is too controversial.

Knoblach in his speech to the delegates at the convention raised the issue when describing his idea of an electable Republican.

ìI donít think it will be a Republican known for pushing a single issue, with all respect,î he said.

But Bachmann cites her efforts on marriage amendment as an example of leadership.

In her speech to delegates, Bachmann cast herself as ìa woman on the mission.î

She spoke of not letting the United States come under the United Nations umbrella, of drilling for oil, of being a notoriously hard worker.

More reaction

Former Ventura Administration Transportation Commissioner Elwyn Tinklenberg, who is battling Patty Wetterling for the Democratic 6th District congressional endorsement, said Democrats better take Bachmann seriously as an opponent.

ìThere are folks on our side, on the Democratic side, who think sheís a wacko ó and sheís not,î Tinklenberg said.

ìSheís a very tough, very bright woman. Incredible campaigner,î he said.

ìAnd I think there are some (Democrats) who take her for granted. And that would be a huge mistake,î he added.

Sixth District Democrats are expected to endorse their congressional candidate next weekend.

The 325 delegates filling the seats at the Monticello High School heard a speech from Gov. Tim Pawlenty ó the four endorsement candidates ó three of whom had video presentations.

Perhaps the most emotional moment in any of the speeches was when Krinkie described the affect of growing up with an older brother who had cerebral palsy.

ìI always speak up because my brother couldnít talk,î Krinkie said, visibly moved.

He always listens because his brother couldnít hear, he said.

Krinkie has not indicated yet whether he will run for reelection in the House.

Esmay, who grew up in Coon Rapids, said after the convention he felt good about his campaign.

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