CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann's former New Hampshire staffers say they were deceived, left out of the loop and treated as second-class citizens before they quit in frustration last week.

In a press release, the five staffers say they hold no ill will toward the Republican congresswoman from Minnesota, but they call her national campaign team rude, unprofessional, and even cruel. The group says New Hampshire voters were treated more like nuisances than potential supporters.

The group also tried to clear up confusion that arose Friday, when Bachmann's national spokeswoman said she hadn't been notified that anyone had left. The New Hampshire staffers say they tried to contact the national team on Friday to discuss possibly staying on, but were ignored.

Bachmann's spokeswoman did not return a call seeking comment Monday.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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