Bachmann Backlash a Bonanza for Dems

Minnesota GOP rep hangs on after questioning patriotism of fellow lawmakers

(NEWSER) - Rep. Michele Bachmann survived her campaign near-death experience, narrowly holding on to her House seat in yesterday's election, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Bachman caused a furor 2 weeks ago when she charged not only Barack Obama but fellow members of Congress with harboring "anti-American" views in a cable TV interview. The national GOP pulled its funding from her campaign, and money poured into the coffers of her opponent, Elwyn Tinkelberg. More»

Minnesota Rep. in statistical dead heat with Dem challenger after 'anti-American' gaffe

(NEWSER) - Republican Michele Bachmann is now trailing the Democratic challenger for her House seat, Minnesota Public Radio reports, with Elwyn Tinklenberg up 45%-43%. Bachmann’s recent comments about “anti-American” sentiment in Congress appear partly to blame; 40% of respondents said her remarks had made them less likely to vote for her, compared to 8% who were encouraged. More»

Americans aren't buying 'real America' comments: Greenwald

(NEWSER) - The spectacle of Republican politicians painting their opponents as anti-American is a familiar one, Glenn Greenwald writes for Salon, but three recent headline-making incidents show that something has changed. "The idea that any of them would apologize for insulting liberals or impugning their patriotism is simply unfathomable," he writes—and yet they did. More»

GOP yanks Bachmann ad funding in wake of 'anti-American' gaffe

(NEWSER) - Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann is catching more fallout from her controversial appearance on MSNBC: The National Republican Congressional Committee has pulled media buys made for her campaign, reports the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Bachmann told Hardball host Chris Matthews last week that Barack Obama "may have anti-American views” and called for a media investigation of members of Congress who may be anti-American. More»

Esquire lists the public servants most wasting your money today

(NEWSER) - The competition for the worst member of Congress title was more like a marathon, Esquire reports; a wide field of people worked over long periods of time to stake their places in this list. Below, the worst of the worst:

• Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn: Since being defeated in 2006 (and reelected as an independent) this ex-Democrat and “small man” has been nothing but a pain for his ex-party and the country.