Bachmann Challenges 1,000 to 'Get Involved'

"Forge your link to freedom and history," she tells 'Take Back Washington' Event

BISMARCK, N.D., Feb. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At least 1,000 North Dakotans braved temperatures in the low teens to hear Minnesota Representative Michele Bachmann urge them to give 5 hours of their time to the candidate of their choice in the upcoming November elections.

"If I can stand down Nancy Pelosi all day, every day, you can each pledge to give 5 hours of your time to the candidate of your choice between now and November!" she joked.

An overflow crowd filled the Patterson Ballroom at the Ramkota Hotel, the largest meeting facility in Bismarck, while at least 700 more watched the event online (http://www.takebackwashington.net). For most, it was their first opportunity to tell elected officials and candidates their views on taxes, spending, energy, and health care.

Unlike most forums, this one featured ordinary citizens doing almost all the talking. Candidates and elected officials were stationed at "listening stations" where they could listen -- but not react -- to the remarks of those in attendance. "For the politicians here, this really takes a lot of courage," joked talk show host Scott Hennen.

Bachmann congratulated North Dakota GOP Chairman Gary Emineth, noting that tonight's listening event "is the first in the nation, but it's an idea that will spread all across the 50 states."

During her remarks, Bachmann was sharply critical of federal spending policies. "President Obama says he is 'agnostic' on deficit cuts, and that's just not acceptable," she said to applause. "Government is not 'starved to the bone,' it's not 'lean and mean,' and it's too late to 'cut the rate of growth in spending.' Let's face it, we're bankrupt!"

Taking part in the event from their "listening stations" were Governor John Hoeven, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat now occupied by retiring Senator Byron Dorgan, as well as Congressional candidates Kevin Cramer and Rick Berg. Conspicuous by their absence were Dorgan, fellow Democratic incumbent Senator Kent Conrad and 18-year Congressman Earl Pomeroy.

The event was jointly sponsored by Concerned Women for America, the North Dakota Family Alliance, the North Dakota Farm Bureau, the North Dakota Republican Party, the North Dakota Taxpayers' Association, the National Rifle Association and Citizens for Responsible Government.

SOURCE North Dakota Republican Party