Will Bachmann Back Boehner for Speaker? Definitely Maybe

By Lindsey Boerma

Updated: October 29, 2010 | 7:41 a.m.
October 28, 2010 | 1:06 p.m.

Michele Bachmann was noncommittal when asked whether she would back House GOP leader John Boehner for Speaker. (Chet Susslin)

Tea party favorite Michele Bachmann is not a John Boehner enthusiast.

On Minnesota Public Radio today, the Minnesota Republican said that Boehner is guaranteed her vote for Speaker of the House only “if he was the only candidate running.”

So far, no other Republicans have emerged to challenge the House's top Republican for the Speaker job if the GOP wins control of the chamber next week.

But the refusal to commit by Bachmann, an outspoken member of the GOP's conservative wing and founder of the congressional Tea Party Caucus, may signal some of the headaches awaiting Boehner at the helm of a larger -- but potentially more ideologically divided -- Republican conference.

Bachmann's comments came during a radio debate with opponents Tarryl Clark (D) and Bob Anderson (I).

“I would look at all the candidates and weigh it accordingly,” she said when asked whom she'll support for House Speaker.

Most of the attention in this campaign has focused on Democratic defections from the current Speaker, Nancy Pelosi. So far, seven Democratic House members have said they would not back her for a third term as Speaker, and about 20 more are waffling about whether she'll get their support.

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