As U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota flirts with launching a presidential exploratory committee, her former chief of staff threw his support behind her in-state rival, FoxNews.com reported Friday.
Ron Carey, who served as Bachmann’s chief of staff before resigning during her re-election campaign last fall, said he thought former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty was the better candidate.
Bachmann is expected to announce the formation of her committee in earlier June, according to published reports.
"My experience with Pawlenty , the more people get to know him, he's a very sharp guy. He's very likable," Carey said. "I see him walk into a room of 200 people and everyone he meets leaves the room and says, 'He's a great guy.' He has that Midwest charm and ability to connect with people.
"His roots are so humble and main street America. It's easy for people to connect with him and say, 'he's one of us, he's just like me.' "
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.