Skip to content

Would-Be Contenders Wait for Bachmann Seat

If Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), who declared her candidacy for president on Monday, decides not to run for re-election, there are plenty of candidates who are leaving their options open to run in her 6th district.

Former GOP gubernatorial nominee Tom Emmer told Roll Call on Tuesday that he’d be “open” to considering a run if Bachmann did not run.

Anoka County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Rhonda Sivarajah (R) said Wednesday she “certainly would keep [her] options open.” Minnesota House Majority Leader Matt Dean (R) said that running is something he “would certainly consider.”

Former Minnesota Rep. Phil Krinkie, who lost the GOP nomination to Bachmann in 2006, said he would make a decision on a run “fairly soon.”

Former state Rep. Chris DelaForest (R) told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune he would “look at” running, if Bachmann was fully out of the race.

And Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch (R), who has been mentioned as a potential contender, told Roll Call she hadn’t thought about running and did not sound interested. When pressed about whether she would consider higher office somewhere down the line, she replied, “I don’t know. You’re never supposed to rule it out, right?”

Recent Stories

The pro wrestlers the Democratic Party needs to emulate

Judge orders temporary end to freeze on foreign aid spending

Photos of the week ending February 14, 2025

GOP budget framework gets over initial hurdle in House

Takeaways: White House visit by India’s Modi becomes mini trade summit

Republicans defend USAID in hearing meant to criticize waste