Bachmann Spreads Vision Of 2012 GOP “Triple Crown”

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Kicking off a conference for conservative voters, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann cast visions of Republican rule in Washington after the 2012 election.

But the possible presidential candidate left the Conservative Political Action Conference audience guessing Thursday about her precise role. She urged them to get energized about an electoral "triple crown" - control of the House, Senate and, as she put it, "oh yeah baby, winning the White House."

Bachmann was the first big-name speaker at a conference that ends with a straw poll. Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty speaks Friday.

Bachmann slammed President Barack Obama's administration on energy, health care and debt issues.

She said her party needs to pick a GOP nominee who can unite fiscal and social conservatives and those who decide based on national security stances.