Michele Bachmann’s campaign falling apart
Top level departures suggest
Michele Bachmann’s campaign is struggling
The durability of Michele Bachmann’s campaign is in question as we head into the meaty part of the 2012 presidential primary contest.
Campaign manager Ed Rollins will be moving from day-to-day campaign managing to a senior advisory role. Hisdeputy, David Polyansky, is leaving the campaign.
Rollins, in an interview, cited his health as the driving factor behind the change.
“I wish I was 40 years old, but I’m not,” he told POLITICO. “I’m 68 years old, I had a stroke a year and a half ago. I’m worn out.”
He said the rigors of the daily campaign grind were simply getting to him, and that he fully supported Bachmann still. He said he would be traveling with her to California for the first fall debate, which is being hosted Wednesday at the Reagan Presidential Library by POLITICO and NBC News.
“I want nothing but the best for her, she’s a great candidate, I’ll continue to be there for her.”
Bachmann’s only path, veteran operatives believe, is an Iowa win, which she could use as a springboard into South Carolina contention. Both states are heavy on evangelical voters, tea party activists and Christian conservatives who make up her base.
But they also make up Perry’s base — and he is quickly bringing them to his side.
Perry has another advantage in a critical area that Bachmann, by all accounts in fundraising circles, has struggled with — appeal to a large swath of major donors and bundlers. The congresswoman has low-dollar fundraising prowess among the Tea Party set and her staunch supporters, but showing the discipline and drive necessary to appeal to major givers has been an uphill climb.
At a minimum, the departures – regardless of the reasons – are a fresh reminder of the staff turnover that has plagued her office as a congresswoman.
In her first two terms in Congress, Bachmann’s office burned through four chiefs of staff and five press secretaries. An additional chief of staff, who was never listed in public accountings or records, was hired but departed in a matter of days.
The Captains are crazy, and the crews are jumping ship. to bad. I’d like to see them all ride the wrecks to the bottom.
First campaign personnel desert Newt, now this? Good news. There are more Dems but a higher percentage of GOPers vote. Getting out the Dem vote in 2012 is critical if we want to see a Dem Congress back and stronger representation in the Senate.