Bachmann beefs up her Iowa staff

Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann has hired Eric Woolson to lead her presidential communications efforts in Iowa.

Woolson, who previously worked for former Gov. Tim Pawlenty, managed Mike Huckabee's campaign there in 2008 - the year he won an upset victory in the Iowa caucuses.

"Eric Woolson is well-known not only by Iowa reporters and party activists but he has also earned a reputation among the national media as someone who works hard, knows his state and gets things done," Bachmann said in a press release. "We're very happy to have someone with his experience and can-do attitude join us as we begin the critical push to win the Iowa caucuses."

After winning the Iowa Straw Poll in August, Bachmann's been trying to burnish her credibility among evangelical voters and those who identify with the tea party - the same types of voters who supported Huckabee in 2008.

Woolson also served as Gov. Terry Branstad's communications director and press secretary, and was Iowa communications director for George W. Bush's 2000 presidential campaign.

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