Bachmann: 'I'm in it for the long haul'

GOP debate
Republican presidential candidates from left, former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn, businessman Herman Cain and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman gather prior to a debate, Sept. 22, 2011, in Orlando, Fla.
AP Photo/John Raoux

WASHINGTON (AP) - Minnesota U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann refuses to accept that the 2012 Republican presidential sweepstakes has come down to a choice between Mitt Romney and Rick Perry.

Bachmann says "I'm in it for the long haul."

Bachmann tells CBS's "The Early Show" she is a viable candidate, noting she won the Iowa straw poll. That test of strength happened on the same day that Perry, the governor of Texas, got into the race.

Bachmann tells interviewers she isn't participating in the Florida straw poll, saying the balloting is among a much narrower band of prospective Republicans than in Iowa.

She stresses that "we're in it for the marathon." The congresswoman also says she's working hard on fundraising efforts and says the party needs a candidate "who understands the economy and job creation."

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

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.