Bachmann to Run for Conference Chairman Spot

The tea party is on the rise. Another illustration of that comes from Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann’s decision to run for chairman of the House Republican Conference, the No. 4 position in the GOP House leadership, National Journal reports .

She organized the 52-member House Tea Party Caucus. “I am pleased to announce that I am running for chairman of the House Republican Conference!” Bachmann wrote on her Facebook page.

Indiana Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., the current Republican conference leader announced he was stepping down from the position Wednesday – probably to leave time to run for governor or president.

Bachmann won’t win the position without competition. Minority Whip Eric Cantor announced that he supports Texas Rep. Jeb Hensarling for the post. Reps. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Jason Chaffetz of Utah have expressed interest too.