Bachmann postpones visit to Iowa

Minnesota Republican Michele Bachmann's return to Iowa on Thursday is being postponed.

The congresswoman plans to remain in Washington for a vote on anti-terrorism legislation. She was supposed to give the headline speech at a GOP fundraiser in downtown Des Moines. Her spokesman says she'll appear only by video link.

"It's too important for her to miss that vote," the spokesman, Doug Sachtleben, said.

Bachmann hoped to arrive in Iowa in time for events on Friday, including a lunchtime speech in Davenport.

The House is expected to vote on a renewal of the Patriot Act that includes authority for federal agents to search records and conduct roving wiretaps in pursuit of terrorists.

The third-term congresswoman says she'll announce next month whether she'll try for the GOP presidential nomination.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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