Political Hotsheet
By

Rodney Hawkins /

CBS News/ January 2, 2012, 10:24 PM

Bachmann attacks Santorum on earmarks, Specter endorsement

Rep. Michelle Bachmann, R-Minn., speaks to reporters Jan. 2, 2012, in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Rep. Michelle Bachmann, R-Minn., speaks to reporters Jan. 2, 2012, in West Des Moines, Iowa.

/ Getty Images
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - Having criticized the rest of the Republican presidential pack, Michele Bachmann on Monday laced into Rick Santorum for his past support of earmarking and his 2004 backing then-GOP Sen. Arlen Specter, who later switched parties to become a Democrat.

Special Section: Election 2012
Candidate Page: Michele Bachmann
Candidate Page: Rick Santorum

"He defends the practice of earmarks, and I have taken a no-earmark pledge," Bachmann said. "He also supported Arlen Specter and endorsed him. Arlen Specter supplied the 60th vote that gave us Obamacare and gave us taxpayer-funded abortions. I never would have supported Arlen Specter, who is a pro-abortion candidate. I never would have done that, and so there are real differences between us."

Rick Santorum defends spending on pet projects

Although she dwells at or near the bottom of most Hawkeye State polls, Bachmann reiterated that she would not drop out of the race after Iowa. She said she will focus on South Carolina, where she thinks her strong social conservative views will play better in New Hampshire.

"We have already bought and paid for our tickets in South Carolina, and we already have events scheduled. We are on our way," she said. "You will see the bus many, many times."

© 2012 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
4 Comments Add a Comment
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Ben37221 says:
This woman need to go away. How sad for Minesota for letting this woman out of a mental institution. Now she is running around with a fabrication machine in her month. I guess only crazies like her will vote for her or even consider her.
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TJphoto says:
The GOP playbook. ATTACK-ATTACK-ATTACK, SMEAR, CHARACTER ASSASSINATION, 30 SECOND SPIN ON WHY I'M THE ONE YOU SHOULD VOTE FOR. Then repeat as many times as necessary.......
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lg144 says:
GOP = GREEDY ONE PERCENT

99 Reasons To Snub Republicans In 2012

We Snub Republicans 2012
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Tired_of_liars replies:
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Another Lie from LG, wow you must really be proud