Politics

Bachmann & Pawlenty Debate Over Conservative Credentials Takes Nastier Turn

WASHINGTON (AP) — The campaigns of Republican presidential hopefuls Michele Bachmann and Tim Pawlenty resumed their war of words Sunday, arguing via press release over which candidate has the stronger conservative credentials.

Minnesota Rep. Bachmann accused Pawlenty of supporting policies that are anathema to her tea party supporters, such as the individual mandate to buy health insurance and a “cap-and-trade” agreement to reduce greenhouse gases. And she slammed the former Minnesota governor for praising the federal government’s 2008 bailout of banks, auto makers and insurers.

“I have fought against irresponsible spending while Governor Pawlenty was leaving a multi-billion-dollar budget mess in Minnesota,” Bachmann added.

Pawlenty‘s campaign swiftly rejected Bachmann’s claims, saying there is “very little difference” between the two candidates’ positions.

However, Pawlenty spokesman Alex Conant said, “The difference is that when Governor Pawlenty was scoring conservative victories … Congresswoman Bachmann was giving speeches and offering failed amendments, all while struggling mightily to hold onto the most Republican house seat in the state.”

Earlier this month, Pawlenty raised Bachmann’s ire when he called her record of accomplishment in Congress “nonexistent.”

Bachmann argued again Sunday against that assessment, saying, “I have demonstrated leadership and the courage of my convictions to change Washington, stop wasteful spending, lower taxes, put Americans back to work and turn our economy around.”

Comments (61)

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  • melmatmic
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 8:06am

    Pawlenty=RINO, Perry=RINO, Gingrich=Has been, Bachman=TEA

    Report Post » melmatmic  
    • I Love Howie Carr
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 8:27am

      Where the heck has Romney been? I haven’t heard a peep out of him for weeks. At least Bachmann is willing to put herself out there. Tea partier? I dunno, we’ll see, but at least she’s willing to show herself. Romney’s in a closet somewhere.

      Report Post »  
    • escape_from_socialism
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:53am

      Is voting for Patriot Act is TEA, then I’m not TEA anymore.

      Ron Paul 2012 – Real Constitutionalist

      Report Post »  
    • Familyman6
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 5:56pm

      Bachmann Excellent…. Pawlenty better than Mark Dayton

      Report Post »  
  • dsm
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 7:53am

    Bachmann before anybody says anything.

    Report Post »  
  • dsm
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 7:52am

    NO to rinos(Pawlenty) YES to conservatives(Baughman) No more needs to be said.

    Report Post »  
  • psst
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 6:49am

    TClaw is d e s p e r a t e.
    Stick a fork in him.He’s done. He knows it, so does everyone else .
    So what does he do. Try and take down Bachmann instead of the more liberal Mitt.
    That speaks violumes. It was his camp that started the Migrane thingy that got no traction.
    Bu-bye TClaw, don’t let the door hit you in the you know what as you exit the arena.
    Ta ta now.

    Report Post »  
  • The Admiral
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 6:39am

    I’m a Minnesota resident and have been for 30 years. Bottom line… Bachmann is the conservative, Pawlenty is a RINO, PERIOD.

    Report Post » The Admiral  
  • quicker
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 5:19am

    I think That P T just cxan`t stand it that a strong woman is running and he will problely do like Huclebee did in 08 for McCain.

    Report Post » quicker  
    • adaismeus
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 6:32am

      exactly! Don’t you find it funny that PT is going after her and her alone, at least M R said her medical issues were irrelevant, and mr pawlenty seems to think migranes will keep her perfoming the duties needed? Really? does his wife get them? (besides him) does he tell her she is less than capable? Not only that, I think the they have no creditials argument went out with obamas election. PT is nothing more than A RINO

      Report Post » adaismeus  
  • Ragnar's Repoman
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 4:58am

    For how long did Pawlenty refuse to call out Romney, and now he keeps going out of his way to attack Bachmann. He has no chance to get Bachmann’s supporters; obviously, his best chance is to get Romney’s potential voters. What is he thinking?

    Report Post » Ragnar's Repoman  
  • Chet Hempstead
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 4:54am

    I love the Tea Party and their purity tests that Reagan, Eisenhower, Bush and every other Republican who ever got elected President would all fail. I love that they can’t imagine that any of their views might not be shared by a majority of their countrymen. I love that they’re going to destroy any danger that the Republican Party might win next year’s election!

    Report Post »  
    • dr_funk
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 5:00am

      You’re pathetic.

      The ideal of the Tea Party, that is, to not spend yourself into total oblivion, is an ideal shared by the majority of this country. When looking only at likely voters, it is a very large majority.

      Only people who suckle on the taxpayer teat are opposed. This includes democrats whose reelection campaigns are 98% dependent on union donations.

      Report Post »  
    • dr_funk
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 5:07am

      Also, Michelle: don’t pay any attention to Pawlenty. We’re already sick of him. He’s a smarmy, spineless Republican-wannabe, and we have no use for him.

      He won’t even make it out of the New Hampshire primary…

      Report Post »  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 3:23pm

      Looking at only likely voters is how you lost last time. Most people want to see the deficit reduced, but there is definitely not a majority in favor of getting there through spending cuts alone. Every poll shows that everyone who hasn’t been brainwashed into considering it unthinkable wants to get rid of the tax cuts for the upper class. I call them that, upper class not “job creators,” because in the ten years since we cut their taxes they stuck it all in their pockets and did nothing for the rest of us. Rich people don’t make jobs out of their personnel income. The whole point of making your business a corporation is to make sure that money that you get out of it never has to go back in.

      Report Post »  
  • angroehl
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 4:38am

    As a lifetime resident of MN, I know that Pawlenty has done no good for our state, yet Bachmann has done wonders, not just for the state, but for the country. I love her and support her! Pawlenty, I wish he’d just fade away into the night like he was meant to be….

    Report Post »  
    • jeronadams
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 11:55pm

      As a lifetime resident of the LIBERAL state of Minnesota; Bachmann has not done one thing right to better our state. Unless putting the range workers out of jobs, or voting to allow development along undisturbed lakeshores…. Bachmann is not a real Minnesotan!

      Report Post »  
  • Mil-Dot
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 4:27am

    Man, enough of the word “anathema” already. It is getting to be nauseating.

    Report Post »  
  • AmeriCat
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 3:14am

    Pawlenty is ineffective and rude….yuk!
    I bet he was mean and tough to work with in his dental office.
    I bet he was always blaming his own technical difficulties on someone else!
    Not my kind of dentist…
    I like someone who takes responsibility for his failures, e.g. Minnesota financial mess!

    Report Post »  
  • AmeriCat
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 3:09am

    Michelle…you are one terrific Conservative who does our Country proud!
    Thank you for standing up for Truth and for us, We The People.

    We have a herd of RINOs….just ignore the sound of their feet…
    That’s the only action they can muster.
    TEA!

    Report Post »  
  • Shiroi Raion
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 2:41am

    I’m for Michelle. She seems more honest and Libertarian, but I’d vote for any Republican next year.

    Report Post » Shiroi Raion  
  • sissykatz
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 2:34am

    Did I miss something in this? Was Michelle doing her own arguing via press releases and Pawlenty’s people were doing his??? I really had or have nothing against Pawlenty but is that not one of the biggest problems we have now???? Obama does not know what to say unless someone else tells him or writes it for him. I would at least expect while campaigning they would do it themselves. Maybe it is just the way the story is written but that is what I understood as I read it.As far as arguing who is more “conservative” I would hardly think that would be a discussion let alone and argument.

    I am not sure what kind of President either would make but Michelle is definitely more conservative.I know very little of Pawlenty so I guess I opinion is not really “Informed”. I have heard him in the interviews but did not know who he was until he Decided to run for Pres. I have only known Michelle since the Tea Party started but she has worked relentlessly on helping us get started with that and in keeping it going. I know she is conservative and I believe means and lives her life according to what she believes and says. She has been a Congresswoman but is not a “Professional Politician”. I do like that.She knows how the Gov. Works and the games are played but is wanting to CHANGE that.But I am still not convinced she will win against Obama.

    They had a poll on TV the other day and said she is not winning the FEMALE vote ?????? I found that surprising. Thought that would be the st

    Report Post »  
    • 5775lindy
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:02am

      I’m with you SISSYKATZ, my first memories of Bachmann are of her standing ( BY HERSELF) on the steps of the Capital trying to draw attention to fact that America was being taken in a seriously wrong direction. She was out there risking her political future , while most of her fellow conservatives were keeping a low profile and trying to get a feel for the politically safe pose to take. I truly believe Representative Bachmann loves this country and believes in the possibility of America’s future greatness. She is one of the few GOP candidates I have NO DOUBTS will always do what is best for America–even if it is a HARD path for her to travel. We must make it our business to get to know all the GOP hopefulls, do our homework ,learn about their political pasts , and not let the press or other politicians undermine our resolve to get the best person for the job in 2012. If WE decide Bachmann (or someone else) is our representative–we can get them there if we stick together.

      Report Post »  
  • welovetheUSA
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 2:30am

    Our goal is to get Obama out of office………lets not go after one another…..No one running is going to be as bad as Obama, our country cannot take 4 more years of Obama, period.

    Report Post » welovetheUSA  
  • Ira WIlson
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 2:28am

    Go Michelle! Pawlenty is a RINO… not a serious conservative.

    Report Post » Ira WIlson  
  • banjarmon
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 2:24am

    Bachmann Has MY VOTE!

    Report Post » banjarmon  
  • HK94dude
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:46am

    Is this the same Michelle Bachman that voted for the patriot act? Sounds like neither one have read the Constitution lately….

    Report Post »  
    • SheriS
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 8:16am

      Me thinks you do not follow what actually happens in DC! Ms. Bachman held a class for the new electees on the Constitution before they started to sit in the Chamber just to make sure these “newbies” knew what was actually in the Constituion! I think she knows of what she speaks and actually has a brain unlike the Bimbette that lives in the White House!

      Report Post »  
  • bikerr
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:41am

    Ah…She was winning in a liberal state that brought us Al Franken,Walter Mondale,Paul Wellstone,Hubert Humphrey,and a professional wrestler Jesse“ The Body” Ventura! as Governor. She is a tough girl and can take as well as give a punch.Can’t wait until2012. Pawlenty is a good candidate but won’t get past michele.

    Report Post »  
  • Alucard
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:35am

    I’m from MN and I can tell you there is a very large gap between these two. Bachmann is a hardcore conservative and Pawlenty is a more moderate republican. I give Pawlenty credit for admitting his mistake in supporting Cap n Trade and Ethanol subsidies, but it’s too little too late for me to support him. I want a strong conservative that sticks to their principles and Bachmann blows him out of the water in this regard. I’m still waiting to see how it all shakes out before supporting any candidate just yet though.

    Report Post »  
  • 1bambam
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:18am

    Hey T-Paw if by being a huge fan of lady ga ga is a credential for being more of a conservative then I guess you win hands down ……great example Timmy Boy trying to get the young vote telling us how big of a Lady GaGa fan you are is coming home to bite you now

    Report Post » 1bambam  
    • 1bambam
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:22am

      Left out Hypocrite I don‘t think being a fan of lady GaGa would be pleasing to God showing that it’s cool to be a fan to the youth..

      Report Post » 1bambam  
    • godlovinmom
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:54am

      Are you serious..lady gaga…that did it for me…he will not get my vote…I think you would have to be brain damaged to listen and especially watch her…All I’ve seen so far is a singing porno queen!…only kidding…but really…lady gaga?…I know librals hate Ms. Bauchman and her husband…meanwhile they have given alot to their community, especially kids…once you say Christian…automatically makes them poison, in their minds.

      Report Post » godlovinmom  
  • pwatkins
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:11am

    This is going to be an interesting election in 2012. If we think the Gore/Bush episode in Florida was a tough political fight….hmmmmm.

    Report Post »  
  • JP4JOY
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:10am

    it’s becoming very apparent that all of our elected officials are in it for themselves. it appears we need to replace ALL of our ELECTED OFFICIALS and especially BOTH PARTIES, RNC & DNC. Start over with the original CONSTITUTION as the foundation. Not saying French Revolution but awfully close!!

    Report Post » JP4JOY  
  • rmburton
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:02am

    Pawlenty and his bitterness toward Bachmann make him look like an insecure ********.

    Report Post » rmburton  
    • drattastic
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:18am

      On the bright side they arguing about who is the most conservative and I think they both mean it. I think both of these two candidates will eventually be VP material. For better or worse the nominee( in my humble uninformed opinion)will be Romney ,Perry or Christie if he jumps in.

      Report Post » drattastic  
    • jhrusky
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 8:11am

      Didn‘t know you could say ’********’ here, but cool :-)

      Report Post » jhrusky  
  • 82dAirborne
    Posted on July 25, 2011 at 12:57am

    And so it begins………..

    Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • SPOT_OF_TEA
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:08am

      I saw Michele on the Huckabee show last night…even after O’Reilly bashed her all last week,her message was still powerful,consistent and clear…..I‘m sure O’reilly the useful idiot will be getting his Obama interview soon now……and as for pawlenty being more conservative than Michele…come on get real.

      Report Post » SPOT_OF_TEA  
    • drattastic
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:12am

      Unfortunately

      Report Post » drattastic  
    • drattastic
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:41am

      @ SPOT
      I‘m glad someone shares my low opinion of O’Reilly

      Report Post » drattastic  
    • Goodgriefgeezlouise
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 4:59am

      Yeah, what’s up with Bill..He is on the Tea Party every time I see him..He’s got that smugness that will put him in a bad light once it is evident that the Tea Party is more than just we of the sloped foreheads..The Tea Party is the US Constitution..He better understand that..All this politicing and media play is just the oposite of what real folks want..As 2012 draws near, I bet we see a huge uprising in real folk that have been silent too long..and of course some of them were brainwashed by the current Pres..There is a lot of fixing to do..and there are a lot of Repulicans that can band together and make this happen..Pawlenty is the first to go off the deep end and he will pay.Very quickly..Whoever wins the nomination better be ready to state their case clearly and effectively to the American people..The propaganda machine will be working 24/7 ..

      Report Post »  
    • JimConstitution
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 5:34am

      Bill is a catholic, Michele is not only protestant but, gasp, one that believes others should be Born-Again also. I need say no more.

      Report Post » JimConstitution  
    • psst
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 8:17am

      @Spot.
      Babblin’ billO called the Tea party radical last week.
      He had Laura on .She kicked his karse IMO. though she was at an advantage since he’s the host and kept interrupting when she challenged him. you could see her smile at some of his idiotic remark
      But she can‘t come right out and tell him he’s full of sheet as she likes to continue to fill in for him now and then.
      babblin‘ bilLO can’t stand Coulter and Malkin. Both of them shows him up to be a joke.
      Babblin billO dislikes Bachmann. It’s obvious to one and all. he’s an karsejole.
      He’s really a closet Soetoro supporter.He hits him now and then to keep up the pretense he’s not.
      Many are onto him now.

      Report Post »  
    • texrubarts
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:41pm

      Bill O’reilly is against the Tea Party. He will be strongly against Michelle. Just wait til Gov. Palin jumps in – O’reilly will be foaming at the mouth to get her on his show for ratings – I hope Gov. Palin goes on Hannity first!

      O’reilly will be against both Michelle and Gov. Palin!!!

      Report Post » texrubarts  
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