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Republicans unanimously endorse Bachmann |
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Wednesday, 09 April 2008 |
T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol Reporter
Sixth District Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, R-Stillwater, was
endorsed by unanimous acclaim at the Republican Congressional
Convention in Blaine on Saturday, April 5.
Bachmann, 52, sometimes wiping tears from her eyes, in her endorsement speech told delegates “we are lovers of freedom.”
Referring to earlier comments by Gov. Tim Pawlenty about the
marketability of Republicanism, Bachmann told delegates that the party
had a story to sell.
Her brief acceptance speech several times took religious tones.
“God has shed his grace on the United States of America,” said
Bachmann, alluding to freedom as a gift bequeathed by earlier
generations of Americans.
It sometimes feels, she said, that the country is walking on ball
bearings, but she veered off the sentiment by saying she didn’t intend
to be a “Debbie Downer.”
After being endorsed by acclaim and delivering her acceptance speech,
Bachmann, her husband and two children, received the applause of the
convention.
Bachmann told delegates that she had kept her word to them and that her votes in Congress reflected that.
Will keep word
She would continue to work to keep her word, she said. Bachmann said she has voted the way she said she would vote.
“I will keep my word to you,” said Bachmann. Duty sometimes demand
saying “No” to things, Bachmann opined. That comes at a price, she said.
You are “vilified” when you say “No,” Bachmann told delegates.
Just check the editorial page of any newspaper, she said.
Bachmann’s speech was neither broadcast nor recorded by the media.
Sixth District Republican officials, in an unusual move, prohibited
reporters from using tape recorders or video cameras within the
convention. Note taking and still photography was allowed.
Sen. Betsy Wergin, R-Princeton, said Bachmann has proven a consistent Republican voice.
“She hasn’t changed her story for circumstances,” said Wergin, who officiated at the convention.
Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano, told delegates Bachmann had more courage in
her little finger than most the people he meets have in their entire
body.
Dems come later
Sixth District Democrats will hold their endorsement convention later
this month. Former Ventura Transportation Commissioner Elwyn
Tinklenberg and St. Cloud businessman Bob Olson are vying for the DFL
endorsement.
Democrats have an arid viewpoint of Bachmann, seeking a second term in the U.S. House.
“Representative Bachmann has pursued the most polarizing, divisive
career that we have seen in Minnesota politics,” Tinklenberg said.
“And you don’t move forward through division. You don’t grow through division. You grow through addition,” he said.
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