ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann told Minnesota convention delegates Monday morning that Ron Paul supporters and the Tea Party movement have left an indelible mark on the Republican Party.
The principles of smaller government, less spending and strict adherence to the constitution are now cemented into the Republican Party platform.
"That never would have happened without your involvement," she told about 80 Minnesota delegates and convention representatives at a breakfast meeting. "So take a victory lap. …. We might not be exactly where we want to be yet, even within our own party. But we are so much further than we were before because of the efforts of those of you who are here."
Bachmann was able to make it to the event despite Tropical Storm Isaac, which appears to be scooting west of the Tampa Bay area and isn't causing major disruption to local convention activities.
Bachmann renewed her call to "dispatch President Obama and Vice President Biden in November."
Rather than shower accolades on Mitt Romney – whose name was mentioned only once -- Bachmann instead heaped praise on his running-mate, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin.
Ryan is the architect of a GOP-led budget that dramatically slashes spending, far more than President Obama will allow. Ryan's budget and tenacity made him an instant hit among conservatives demanding a radically smaller federal government.
"I have known Paul Ryan for six years, and he is a great guy, a regular guy and a really smart guy," Bachmann said. "He's very studious; he knows what he is talking about. People look to Paul Ryan with a great deal of respect."
