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Derek Wallbank

Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., answers a question during the first New Hampshire Republican presidential debate at St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., Monday, June 13, 2011. (AP Photo/Jim Cole) (AP)

Bachmann returns to House as a star

Derek Wallbank
FILE - In this Jan. 21, 2011 file photo, Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn. speaks in Des Moines, Iowa. Now this is a fundraising frenzy. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romneyís presidential exploratory campaign is organizing a big phone bank fundraiser in Las Vegas next month. Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has been holding ìfriendraisingî meetings in places like Florida, Puerto Rico, Nevada and California. And Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour has been meeting finance and political operatives in California, Florida and New York while also making more traditional campaign stops in early voting states. GOP presidential hopefuls are scurrying behind the scenes in a cut-throat dash to raise cash and assemble influential backers during the key April-June fundraising period. With the 2012 primary campaign off to a relatively late start, the candidates are under intense pressure to demonstrate their credibility this quarter before a slower summer fundraising season kicks in. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) (Charlie Neibergall)

Michele Bachmann opens up

Derek Wallbank