U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann has endorsed a tea party activist who's challenging an incumbent GOP state legislator in the upcoming Minnesota primary election.
Bachmann's campaign announced today she's endorsing Cindy Pugh, the GOP-endorsed challenger to 11-term incumbent Rep. Steve Smith, R-Mound, in the Aug. 14 primary.
Pugh, of Chanhassen, co-founded the Southwest Metro Tea Party and was a co-coordinator of the 2011 Iowa Straw Poll, according to her website.
"Cindy has demonstrated a commitment to the conservative principles that have made America great," Bachmann said in an email statement. "She will advocate for our shared values in St. Paul, and will be a solid vote for lower taxes, limited government, and personal responsibility."
State House Speaker Kurt Zellers, R-Maple Grove, is another leading Republican who has endorsed Pugh.
Smith was one of four House Republicans to break party ranks and vote against the amendment that would define marriage in the state Constitution as between one man and one woman. Bachmann, R-Stillwater, was a leading advocate for such an amendment while serving in the state Senate.
