Fortunes down, Bachmann looks to evangelical vote

By Patrick Condon

Associated Press

Published: Friday, Oct. 7 2011 1:35 a.m. MDT

FILE - In this Oct. 4, 2011, file photo, Republican presidential candidate Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., speaks during a Faith and Family Council news conference in Des Moines, Iowa. Bachmann surged into the Republican presidential race by preaching tea party fiscal conservatism. Now, as she struggles to remain relevant, the Minnesota congresswoman is trying to rally the evangelical voters who have powered most of her political career.

Charlie Neibergall, Associated Press

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Summary

As her campaign for president struggles, Michele Bachmann is turning to the evangelical community that has sustained her throughout her political career.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — As her campaign for president struggles, Michele Bachmann is turning to the evangelical community that has sustained her throughout her political career.

The Minnesota congresswoman's campaign was riding high six weeks ago, but lost momentum as Texas Gov. Rick Perry entered the race. Recently, Bachmann has shifted to a more overtly religious tone and her campaign is recruiting pastors and religious leaders in key states like Iowa and South Carolina to help her.

Bachmann's entire political career has been marked by crusades dear to religious voters. She opposes abortion rights, local school standards and gay marriage.

She often campaigns at churches and prayer rallies by sharing her own story of religious awakening.

Fortunes down, Bachmann looks to evangelical vote

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