Bachmann attacks Santorum on earmarks, Specter endorsement

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.

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"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."

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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."