These probably weren’t the eight years Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) had in mind when she joined the 2012 GOP presidential field. The Republican Congresswoman announced early Wednesday that she will not seek a 5th term on Capitol Hill. The Tea Party favorite revealed her decision in an 8 1/2 minute YouTube video posted to her campaign website and social media accounts. “After a great deal of thought and deliberation, I have decided next year, I will not seek a fifth Congressional term,” Bachmann said in the video. “After serious consideration, I am confident that this is the right decision.” Bachmann said she’s leaving after eight years in Congress, much like the limits placed on the two four-year Presidential terms.” The Congresswoman’s move comes as she faces growing questions about an investigation involving her presidential campaign and a potential rematch with Democrat Jim Graves, who lose to Bachmann in November by less than one percent of the vote. Bachmann’s departure potentially creates a void in the leadership of the House Tea Party, but that would be far from the only problem facing the GOP in the coming months and years. Regarding her plans beyond Congress, Bachmann says “There is no future option or opportunity, be it directly in the political arena or otherwise, that I won’t be giving serious consideration if it can help save and protect our great nation.” Sounds like a lot like the vague hope and future of the party as well. We’ll discuss Bachmann’s decision and Grand Ole Problems when we see you at noon ET on msnbc.
PANEL
Josh Barro, Columnist, Bloomberg View (@jbarro)
Joy Reid, Managing editor, theGrio.com/msnbc Contributor (@thereidreport)
Andrew Ross Sorkin, CNBC Co-Host, “Squawk Box”/ New York Times Columnist (@andrewsorkin)
Richard Wolffe, Executive Editor, msnbc.com/msnbc Political Analyst (@richardwolffedc)
GUESTS Richard Haas, President, Council on Foreign Relations/Author, “Foreign Policy Begins At Home: The Case For Putting America’s House In Order” (@ricahrdhaas) Barney Frank, Former Massachusetts Congressman
Robert Gifford Recommended
