Pawlenty says Bachmann has ‘nonexistent’ record of accomplishment

Republican presidential contender Tim Pawlenty says 2012 rival Michele Bachmann has a “nonexistent” record of accomplishment during her three terms in Congress.

Pawlenty, who trails in fundraising and polls, says that as a former Minnesota governor, he has executive experience and achieved results under challenging circumstances. Bachmann represents a Minnesota congressional district.

“I like Congresswoman Bachmann. I’ve campaigned for her. I respect her, but her record of accomplishment in Congress is nonexistent,” Pawlenty said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.

A poll last month in Iowa put former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and “tea party” favorite Bachmann in the lead. Pawlenty was back in the pack despite an aggressive campaign in the state, which holds the first caucuses.

Early polls aren’t good indicators of anything, he told NBC.

“We’re not looking for folks who just have speech capabilities,” Pawlenty said. “We’re looking for someone who can lead a large enterprise in a public setting and drive it to conclusion. I have done that; she hasn’t.”

Bachmann replied in a statement, ticking off her positions:

“I have fought the cap-and-trade agenda, rather than implement it, and I will work to end cap-and-trade as president of the United States,” she said. “I stood up against President Obama’s support of the $700-billion bailout ....

“I was a leading voice, fighting against ‘Obamacare’ and the unconstitutional individual mandates. ... As president I will not rest until ‘Obamacare’ is repealed. And I will not vote to raise the debt ceiling.”