Pawlenty Aide Apologizes for Citing Bachmann ‘Sex Appeal’

AMES, Iowa – Vin Weber, a co-chairman of Tim Pawlenty’s Republican presidential campaign, issued an apology on Wednesday evening after declaring that Michele Bachmann’s candidacy was catching on, in part, because “she’s got a little sex appeal.”

Mr. Weber, a former member of Congress from Minnesota, made his initial remarks during an interview with The Hill newspaper. He said that Mrs. Bachmann would be “very hard to beat” in Iowa, the state that opens the presidential nominating contest.

“She’s got hometown appeal, she’s got ideological appeal,” Mr. Weber said. “And, I hate to say it, but she’s got a little sex appeal too.”

He apologized in a statement issued by the Pawlenty campaign.

“I made a mistake that was disrespectful to my friend Congresswoman Bachmann,” he said. “I’ve been a Bachmann supporter in her Congressional bids and I apologize. I was not speaking on behalf of Governor Pawlenty’s campaign but nevertheless, it was inappropriate and I’m sorry.”

The comments underscored the political tensions – and Minnesota rivalries – that have deepened in the Republican presidential race. Mrs. Bachmann, a member of Congress from Minnesota, and Mr. Pawlenty, the state’s former governor, are both counting on strong finishes in the Iowa Straw Poll next month and the caucuses early next year to elevate their candidacies.

Mr. Pawlenty, who opened a three-day tour of Iowa on Wednesday, urged voters to take their responsibilities seriously, study the records of candidates and choose someone who can go the distance and challenge President Obama. He said he was not specifically referring to Mrs. Bachmann or any other contender.

“We want to make sure that the person Iowa puts forward in this race is not just interesting in that moment,” Mr. Pawlenty said, speaking to Republicans here, “but is someone who can become the nominee and can defeat Barack Obama and serve at a historically important level and be president of the United States.”

A spokeswoman for the Bachmann campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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