Bachmann, Pawlenty to Cross Paths in NH

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann and former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will cross paths for the first time on the presidential campaign trail in New Hampshire today.

Some see the Minnesota Republicans as rivals for the GOP presidential nomination. But each represents a different wing of the GOP, leaving open the possibility that each could advance in the race without one canceling support for the other, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Rep. Michele Bachmann

"It's two very different restaurants, two very different clienteles," said Andy Brehm, a Minnesota Republican strategist. "She's not stealing votes from him, nor he from her."

At the Americans for Prosperity conference in New Hampshire, Pawlenty and Bachmann are being seen as a double Minnesota threat to surge or place well in New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary.

"That's the race to watch," said Andrew Hemingway, chairman of the influential Republican Liberty Caucus in New Hampshire. "They both have amazing opportunities."

While Pawlenty has built a well-organized campaign infrastructure, Bachmann has national star power as a tea party favorite and as founder and head of the House Tea Party Caucus, garnering her much more media exposure.