Bachmann: I Won't Run for Re-Election

Michele Bachmann, lately behind in polls and facing an ethics probe into her 2012 presidential campaign, has announced that she won't seek re-election to her Minnesota House seat, reports the New York Times. "This decision was not impacted in any way by the recent inquiries into the activities of my former presidential campaign," Bachmann told supporters in an online video. She said the prospect of being defeated by rival Jim Graves also didn't factor in, because, "I have every confidence that if I ran, I would again defeat the individual who I defeated last year."

Bachmann says she fully expects "the mainstream liberal media to put a detrimental spin” on her move, which is "a true compliment of my public service effectiveness." But calling her future "limitless," Bachmann doesn't rule out a return to political office, notes CNN: “There is no future option or opportunity, be it directly in the political area or otherwise, that I won’t be giving serious consideration if it can help save and protect our great nation for future generations. My future is full, it is limitless, and my passions for America will remain." (More Michele Bachmann stories.)