--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Bachmann Media Release &
Website
BACHMANN ANNOUNCES BID FOR 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT [For more information on the Bachmann
race, see her website at
http://www.michelebachmann.com.]
State Senator Michele Bachmann, of Stillwater, on Monday February 14th,
announced her candidacy for the Republican endorsement for Congress from
Minnesota's 6th Congressional District. [See.]
The 6th District will be an open seat in 2006 due to the announcement February
11th by incumbent Congressman Mark Kennedy that he will seek the United States
Senate seat being vacated by Mark Dayton.
Surrounded by family and friends, Bachmann declared: "Preserving the quality of
life we have here in Minnesota requires a new and different role for the federal
government."
"I want to increase the number and vibrancy of local choices in education and
move away from increased nationalized education systems. I want to protect the
traditional notion of marriage, as between one man and one woman, and will work
to insulate it from re-definition by activist courts. I want to move towards
healthcare that is more affordable and accessible, free market driven,
decentralized, patient driven and less costly based upon unnecessary lawsuits, "
said Bachmann.
"Leaving enough room for Minnesota values to succeed requires positive changes
in Washington. I want to help bring about those changes," she concluded.
Michele Bachmann A Local Success Story: When making her announcement, Bachmann pointed to strong local roots
which she said has "always been an important ingredient" in her success. The
two term Senator attended Anoka schools from elementary grades through high
school, and has been an active community member in neighboring Washington County
for 13 years.
"The 6th Congressional district is where Marcus and I have raised a family, and
spent our life," continued Bachmann. Just prior to running for the Minnesota
Senate, Bachmann was a full time mother to her own five children and the 23
foster children she and her husband Marcus took into their home. Her three
older children will be enrolled in graduate school or entering college by the
election in November of 2006; a circumstance that made her decision to run for
Congress "easier to make."
In the Minnesota Senate, Bachmann is known for her work on education issues and
as an ardent champion of local control. She played a major role in the drive to
repeal the "Profile of Learning." She also became recognized as an effective and
articulate legislator, and was appointed to the post of Assistant Republican
Leader in charge of policy, by Republican Minority leader Dick Day. Senator Day
stated he chose Bachmann for leadership, in part, based upon her ability to pull
together large coalitions of people into the political process, many of whom
were unfamiliar with politics.
Bachmann has also proved to be an able campaigner. In two successive bids for
the Minnesota State Senate, she defeated two well-financed, long-time
incumbents, including a senior DFL committee chair.
Due to redistricting in 2002, Bachmann has essentially represented two separate
senate districts. In her first term, she represented the citizens of south
Washington County, and in Bachmann's second term she currently represents the
citizens of northern Washington and eastern Anoka counties.
A Reform Platform for Change in Congress:
"National security and the war on terror will remain priorities for Congress
and our country for years to come," she said. "I support efforts to secure our
borders to keep our citizens safe from the threats posed by radical terrorists."
As a legislator, Bachmann has also maintained a strong interest in issues that
"affect strong and stable family life."
Education would continue to be a major focus for Bachmann if she is elected to
Congress. "In recent years the federal role in education has expanded
aggressively. I believe strong local control is the best way of insuring
excellence in our public schools," she explained.
On Social Security reform Bachmann was likewise direct. "Clearly a major
overhaul is needed," she said. "As the mother of five children, I find very
frustrating that some members of Congress believe that nothing needs to be done
to reform this system. I want to ensure that those 55 and older continue to
receive social security benefits as well provide hope to younger workers that
they will enjoy retirement security. Achieving both goals means that we need to
get to work today."
Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District covers all of Benton, Sherburne and
Wright Counties, and most of Anoka, Stearns and Washington Counties.
1. Tax Credit Bills: Two bills extend tax credits to tuition,
increase eligibility, and remove two-child per family limit:
a. SF 816 / HF 866 Senate authors: Bachmann, Hann, LeClair
House authors: M.Olson, Cybart, B.Anderson,
Heidgerken.
b. SF 558 / HF 1054 Senate authors: Ortman, Scheid, Sams, Wiger, Rest
House authors: Buesgens, Erickson, Johnson, Klinzing, Knoblach, Otremba
2. Parental Rights Prohibits mental health screening without parental consent and prohibits
schools from coercing parents to medicate. Bill not introduced.
3. Pupil Privacy Rights Prohibits surveying students for non-academic, personal information without
parental consent. Bill not introduced.