Forbes: Bachmann is 22nd Most Powerful Woman in World
Forbes Magazine says GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is the 22nd most powerful woman in the world:
The tough-talking, steely-eyed Minnesota congresswoman has her sights set on the Oval Office. She officially announced her candidacy for the 2012 Republican nomination in June, making her one of a handful of women to run for U.S. President on a major ticket. The Tea Party favorite voted "no" to raising the U.S. debt ceiling, wants to repeal "ObamaCare" and is opposed to same-sex marriage, despite having a gay stepsister. Her Christian and family values--she and her husband Marcus homeschooled their five children and raised 23 foster children, all teenage girls--have earned her loyal supporters. However, she has so far battled questions ranging from her legitimacy to her migraine headaches and her therapist husband's controversial counseling methods.
Bachmann is the top elected official from the United States on the list. German Chancellor Angela Merkel tops the list. Several members of President Obama's Administration, including Hillary Clinton, Kathleen Sebelius and Margaret Hamburg, also rank ahead of Bachmann.
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Bachmann, who is running for President, is in her third term in Congress. She represents Minnesota's 6th Congressional District.
She won the Iowa Straw Poll earlier this month but the victory doesn't appear to have given her a bounce in the polls. A new Gallup Poll says Bachmann is polling at her lowest level since June. Texas Gov. Rick Perry has stormed to the top of the poll. Mitt Romney and Ron Paul are also ahead of her in the national poll.
The New York Times also writes about the "Bachmann bubble" - a reference to the Bachmann campaign's effort to keep a tight leash on the reporters covering the campaign.
As to Minnesota's 6th District, MPR reports that Bachmann's presidential campaign activities make the future of her congressional seat uncertain."