Bachmann endorses Emmer for Congress

Republican Congresswoman Michele Bachmann says she will do everything she can to help make sure Tom Emmer takes her place when she leaves Congress at the end of the year.

Emmer won the Republican endorsement at the 6th District GOP convention last weekend, but now faces a primary challenge from former state Rep. Phil Krinkie and Anoka County Board Chair Rhonda Sivarajah.

At a state Capitol news conference Tuesday morning Bachmann predicted Emmer will win the August primary and the November general election.

Tom Emmer and Michele Bachmann
Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann announces full support for Tom Emmer. Mark Zdechlik/ MPR NewsPhoto

"I will give Tom every measure that I possibly can. Whether it's fundraising, whether it's personal help; whatever I can do I'm there more than 100 percent to ensure that Tom Emmer is the next member of the United States Congress," Bachmann said.

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As Bachmann heaped praise on Emmer  she said he will be a "fabulous" member of Congress.

"Why? Because I know Tom Emmer," Bachmann said." He's convinced me to be supportive of him. I've seen him in action in the House of Representatives here in Minnesota. I've seen him with his family. I've seen him in his work life. Tom Emmer is so reflective of this district."

Krinkie and Sivarajah say they're running in the primary because too few Republicans participate in the endorsement process.

Two Democrats are campaigning for the 6th District DFL endorsement. They are Jim Read of Avon and Sartell Mayor Joe Perske. In 2012 Bachmann won re-election by just a little more than 1 percentage point.

Bachmann is not running for re-election.