Bachmann Health Care Rally Draws Thousands

Despite Fox interview that muddied the issue

(NEWSER) - Michele Bachmann will indeed seek a fourth term in the House, she tells the AP today—though she also gave an interview on Fox News that confused the issue slightly. Asked if she'd be running on Fox today, Bachmann seemed caught off guard, according to the Hill . "I, very—yes," she said. "I believe I'll be looking at that." But in the AP interview she was much more confident. "I'm looking forward to coming back and bringing a strong, powerful voice to Washington, DC," she said. More»

Steve King, Louie Gohmert not far behind among fringe congressmen

(NEWSER) - A week after releasing its Senate Wingnut Index , the Daily Beast investigates wingnuttery in the House. Using a “semi-scientific” process to identify the most extreme members on both sides of the spectrum, the site ranks them:

1. Michele Bachmann (R-MN): From calling the president “anti-American” to warning of tyranny, “Bachmann has become a symbol of all things Wingnutty in American politics.”

Health bill error may leave lawmakers, aides without coverage

(NEWSER) - If you know exactly how the health care reform bill will impact your coverage, you may be a step ahead of your member of Congress, according to the New York Times . A report from the Congressional Research Service found that—because of imprecise language and a possible drafting error in the bill—senators, representatives, and their staffers may end up having their coverage pulled with no ready replacement. More»

Betty McCollum also got gas-soaked flag

(NEWSER) - Threats and abuse aimed at Democratic lawmakers who voted for health care reform continue, as Minnesota Rep. Betty McCollum received numerous letters, including one containing a condom and another with a piece of a shredded American flag soaked in gasoline. The letter accompanying the condom reads, “Betty McCollum you’ve been dry f***** by the liberal party.” Another reads, “I will hound you. I will intimidate you and your family.” More»

It will hold a standard vote on the Senate bill tomorrow

(NEWSER) - "Deem and pass" is heading back into legislative obscurity. House leaders today decided not to use the controversial procedure on health care reform. Instead, the chamber will hold a standard vote on the Senate health bill and another on a package of amendments, reports the Washington Post . The final vote is still on track for tomorrow, and Nancy Pelosi says she's confident she'll have the numbers to push it through. More»