Bachmann finds plenty of support in her district

Critics say the Minnesota Republican went too far in making allegations that U.S. government officials are linked to Muslim extremists. But some of the people she represents in the exurbs north of the Twin Cities rally to her defense, Politico reports. In fact, the congresswoman's comments – which ignited a firestorm of criticism, even from Republicans – may have further galvanized Bachmann's base.

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Updated:: Mar 8, 2018
Original:: Jul 23, 2012

Rep. Michele Bachmann may weather the storm of a recent controversy just fine in her district, Politico reports. Bachmann ignited a firestorm of criticism last week after she said U.S. government officials, including Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., and a top aide to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, have ties to Muslim extremists.

The Hill, a Capitol Hill newspaper, has a pretty different take: Bachmann's political career is in disarray.

Meanwhile, Minnesota Republicans in Congress have been mum on the controversy, until Monday. Rep. Erik Paulsen, R-Minn., said Bachmann's allegations were "not appropriate" and "not accurate."

The Clinton aide, Huma Abedin, has been placed under special protection after a threat by a Muslim man, the New York Post reports.

Democrats hope the controversy gives her opponent Jim Graves some traction, MinnPost reports.

Graves wrote an op-ed on the subject last week. He's been blasting Bachmann on his Facebook page.

Washington Post politics blogger Chris Cillizza said Bachmann had the worst week in Washington last week.