Bachmann Phenomenon Heralded as 'No Accident'

Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota has proved she’s a force to be reckoned with in the 2012 presidential race, the National Journal reported Tuesday.

She said her candidacy “is all about President Obama and his agenda” and not about other political motives, like a potential run for the Senate or even a vice presidential nomination. She’s “not a political game player,” Bachmann said.

Political observers and activists have seen her visibility rise during the past several months. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, hosted the Conservative Principles Conference in his home state recently where Bachmann spoke. He said Bachmann, a tea party favorite, should not be underestimated.

“She’s shown a unique ability to take her seat in Congress and take it up to the national level,” King said. “As much as the left would love to attack her and try to diminish her and disparage her, it’s not an accident” that she’s being noticed.