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Bachmann Continues to Swing Against Front-Runners as She Focuses on Border Security

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Minnesota congresswoman and Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann continued her swing against front-runners Rick Perry and Mitt Romney on Monday at a rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Bachmann emphasized the need for a candidate who is committed to securing the border and taking away magnets and inducements that draw illegal immigrants into the United States. She criticized Perry's stance on border security and his executive order mandating HPV vaccinations for young girls.

Bachmann accused Perry and Romney of being "compromised" candidates, citing their ties to political donors and their positions on healthcare. She emphasized the need for a candidate who is not beholden to special interests and can repeal the Affordable Care Act "root and branch." At her rally, Bachmann dismissed a closely-watched straw poll in Florida, stating that it was not reflective of the general population.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bachmann emphasized the need for a candidate who is committed to securing the border and taking away magnets and inducements that draw illegal immigrants into the United States.
  • She criticized Perry's stance on border security and his executive order mandating HPV vaccinations for young girls.
  • Bachmann accused Perry and Romney of being "compromised" candidates, citing their ties to political donors and their positions on healthcare.
  • She emphasized the need for a candidate who is not beholden to special interests and can repeal the Affordable Care Act "root and branch."
  • Bachmann dismissed a closely-watched straw poll in Florida, stating that it was not reflective of the general population.
  • Perry has defended his decision to require young girls to get an HPV vaccination and has denied any claim that he did it for political gain or campaign contributions.
  • Romney has stood by the healthcare law passed in Massachusetts during his term as governor, which includes an individual mandate.

Statistics:

  • 4%:Bachmann's current support in the latest CNN/ORC International poll. (Source: CNN/ORC International poll)
  • 7th place: Bachmann's ranking in the latest CNN/ORC International poll, even behind undeclared candidate Sarah Palin. (Source: CNN/ORC International poll)
  • 40% of the vote: Bachmann received in the Ames straw poll, a crucial event in Iowa politics. (Source: CNN)

Sources:

  • "CNN/ORC International poll" (no publication date)
  • Bachmann's rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (no date)
  • Bachmann's statement on CNN (no date)

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