Bachmann: Decision 'not influenced by any concerns about my being re-elected'
Michele Bachmann says she won't see re-election to Congress in 2014.
The four-term congresswoman announced her decision in a nearly nine-minute video posted on her website early Wednesday morning.
"My decision was not influenced by any concerns about my being re-elected," Bachmann said. She narrowly won a fourth term in 2012 over Democrat Jim Graves, a hotel chain founder who is running again in 2014.
Bachmann also said her decision was not informed by recent inquiries into the activities of her presidential campaign. In January, a former Bachmann aide filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission, claiming Bachmann made improper payments to an Iowa state senator who was the state chairman of her 2012 presidential run. The aide, Peter Waldron, also accused Bachmann of other FEC violations.
What's next for Bachmann? "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," she said.
The Daily Circuit will examine Bachmann's decision, her legacy, and what the race for the 6th District Congressional seat might look like.
Follow the live blog of the broadcast:
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