Former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty continued his focus on reports that Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann suffers from serious migraines, saying Friday that his campaign is not “pushing” the story.
“I checked with our staff,” Mr. Pawlenty said Friday. “They said they did not push the Bachmann story. In fact they reminded me that the sources for the story were her, apparently, her former staff.”
Mr. Pawlenty’s comment comes just days after The Daily Caller reported the story, citing sources close to Ms. Bachmann.
“All of the candidates I think are going to have to be able to demonstrate they can do all of the job all of the time,” Mr. Pawlenty told reporters earlier this week. “There’s no real time off in that job.”
The former Minnesota governor clarified his remarks Thursday, telling Fox News that his comments were taken out of context.
“You know, I think it’s mostly a sideshow, Greta. I’ve observed Congresswoman Bachmann. I’ve never seen her have a medical condition or impairment that would seem to be a concern,” Mr. Pawlenty said.
“I’m confident that our campaign did not push that story, and again it appears to have been sourced to her former staff,” Mr. Pawlenty added.
Meanwhile, Ms. Bachmann defended her candidacy, saying reports are overblown and that she remains healthy.
“I have prescription medication that I take whenever symptoms arise and they keep the migraines under control,” Ms. Bachmann said in statement. “Let me be abundantly clear — my ability to function effectively has never been impeded by migraines and will not affect my ability to serve as Commander in Chief.”
