Rep.-elect Tom Emmer stocks offices with Bachmann alumni

WASHINGTON -- Rep.-elect Tom Emmer is staffing his DC and Minnesota offices with Bachmann-ites.

Emmer, a Republican taking over representation of the Sixth Congressional District after Rep. Michele Bachmann's departure, announced Tuesday that seven of the 13 new staffers hired for his offices were previously working for the congresswoman.

"These individuals offer impressive backgrounds, years of experience, and strong Minnesota ties that will be vital to best serving my constituents," said Emmer, in a statement.

The congressman gets sworn in, along with the rest of the 114th Congress, next week.

Among his new hires:

Robert Boland, senior adviser in Washington, D.C. Previously, Boland served as chief of staff and legislative director to Bachmann.

Jason Frye, legislative director. Previously, Frye was a military legislative assistant to Bachmann.

Kevin Wysocki, senior legislative assistant. Wysocki was Bachmann's senior legislative assistant and worked himself up from an internship.

Barbara Harper, constituent services director. She worked in this same role for Bachmann for the past eight years.

Montgomery Pace, scheduler. Pace was an intern last year in Bachmann's office.

Caitlin Fontaine, staff assistant. Fontaine was an intern in Bachmann's office last year.