U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) kicked off the conservative movement's biggest annual party in Washington Thursday morning by exhorting all conservatives - those focused on fiscal, social and natural security issues - to come together to continue Republican electoral gains in 2012.
Bachmann, a popular star within the tea party movement and a regular name on the roster of potential Republican presidential contenders next year, gave no clues as to her intentions in 2012 in the opening speech of the Conservative Political Action Conference Thursday.
But she did declare that conservative unity is the only way to win what she called the "Triple Crown" next year - retaining the House of Representatives, regaining Republican control of the U.S. Senate and relegating President Obama to a single term.
"For our conservative coalition to be victorious in 2012, it will take every one of us and then some pulling together to bring the three legs of this conservative stool together," Bachmann said, bringing conference-goers to their feet in a cavernous hall at the Marriott Wardman Park.
"I believe in the three-legged stool. I believe in this coalition that is our winning combination. I believe you are incredibly talented. I believe you are motivated for 2012. I believe we can do this."
Bachmann's rousing speech came at a time when conservatives are divided over what issues should take precedence on the national political stage. That division was evident in the days leading up to this year's CPAC gathering, which was boycotted by some groups focused on social issues because of the planned attendance by GOProud, a pro-gay Republican group.
Read more at The Washington Post.
