By Rachel E.Stassen-Berger and Corey Mitchell
With an early morning video message to supporters, embattled Republican U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann announced she would not run for re-election next year.
“My dear friends, after a great deal of thought and deliberation, I have decided next year that I will not seek a fifth congressional term to represent the wonderful people of the Sixth District of Minnesota,” Bachmann said in the Wednesday morning video. “I’ve never considered holding public office to be an occupation.”
The high-profile congresswoman had a narrow re-election last year and is under federal investigation for her 2012 presidential campaign. A recent poll found that a rematch with her 2012 Democratic challenger, Jim Graves, was a dead heat.
In a polished video message, which included her personal list of what she believes she accomplished during her eight years in Washington, she said supporters could “rest assured” that neither of those challenges influenced her decisions
“Looking forward, after the completion of my term, my future is full, it is limitless and my passions for America will remain,” Bachmann said. She said she would consider any future path, “if it can help save and protect our great nation for future generations.”
Bachmann’s announcement will set off a political scramble in the Republican-leaning Sixth Congressional District. Many Republican office-holders and former office-holders had interest in the suburban and rural district last year, after Bachmann’s failed presidential campaign before she decided to run for re-election, and may look to run in 2014.
Click here to view Bachmann’s announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJdhNFuxNac
