Bachmann: GOP race can handle me and Palin

[May 31, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Rep. Michelle Bachmann, who is considering a run for the Republican presidential nomination, says she thinks the race can accommodate both her and Sarah Palin.

Both women are favorites of the tea party movement. But Bachmann says she doesn't compare herself to Palin -- she compares herself to President Barack Obama.

Bachmann says there's "enough room for a lot of contenders" to challenge Obama in 2012.

The Minnesota Republican says she considers Palin, the GOP's 2008 vice presidential candidate, a "friend," not a "competitor." But she told ABC's "Good Morning America" on Tuesday that she has no problem running against a friend.

Bachmann spoke to ABC from New Hampshire, which holds the GOP's first presidential primary next year. She is expected to announce her campaign decision in Iowa next month.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.