Hit the pause button on all those tributes to Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann’s time in the world of politics.
In her first interview since announcing her decision not to run for reelection when her congressional term ends in 2014, the Tea Party favorite made it known that she is by no means stepping back from politics entirely.
"In fact I may run for another public office. That could happen,” Bachmann told Sean Hannity on Fox News Thursday evening. “But for right now I'm going to find a different perch in order to be able to weigh in on these matters."
Bachmann stopped short of writing off a 2016 presidential campaign as well, telling Hannity that although it was not a top consideration, 2016 is “not off the table.”
Bachmann also reflected on the activities she felt set her apart during her time in Congress. Bachmann says she led the charge in “dealing with the rise of Islamic Jihad,” and dubbed herself the “champion of repealing Obamacare.” No, you didn’t miss anything. Despite 37 attempts by House Republicans to repeal Obamacare, it remains on the books.
Regardless of a political comeback is in Michele Bachmann’s future, the fact remains that another Republican will be on the 2014 ballot in Bachmann’s district. On Wednesda, former State Rep. Tom Emmer announced that he was launching a bid for the seat. If you were hoping for a Republican with a more progressive outlook than Bachmann on issues like same-sex marriage, you will have to look further than Tom Emmer.
During Emmer's failed bid for governor in 2010, he raised eyebrows for stammering through a question on whether he believed in evolution, and faced a backlash for proposing legislation that would lower the minimum wage for waiters and waitresses. Emmer was called a "straight-talking Hockey Dad" in an endorsement from Sarah Palin.
Take a look at the Hardball Sideshow for more on Michele Bachmann's future plans, and what could be in the cards next for Minnesota.