News : Bachmann brings GOP presidential campaign to Vinton

Michele Bachman signs autographs as local residents and members of the media take photos.

Michele Bachman signs a flier for Karen Goodenbour of Waterloo after her speech in Vinton.

Congresswoman Bachman even signed a man's hand during her visit to The Pizza Ranch on Thursday.

A black SUV was seen Thursday morning, driving through Vinton, with loudspeakers on its roof announcing the visit of Michelle Bachmann.

Blue and white signs bearing the name of the Minnesota Congresswoman lined the sidewalk in front of the Vinton Pizza Ranch, where by 10:45, the front dining room was full of residents and likely caucus attendees making their final decisions about the 2012 Republican race for President.

The standing room-only crowd waited for the candidate, talking about the 2012 campaign and other political issues.

Shortly before 11 a.m., the bus arrived. Bachmann, accompanied by her children and some Iowa Republican leaders, began shaking hands and offering autographs. In addition to signing campaign signs and literature, she also signed the hand of one man and the “Grassley Works” cap of local Republican activist Barry Adams.

While Bachmann spoke, Tamara Scott, a Bachmann supporter and the Iowa Concerned Women For America director, shared her reasons for supporting Bachmann. Former Iowa House member Danny Carroll also spoke on behalf of Bachmann. He said that America needs Bachmann’s leadership on reducing the national debt.

“We now have a 15 trillion debt burden left for children and grandchildren,” said Carroll. “That will either change because of a crisis that will force us to change, or it will change because of strong leadership.” He said Bachmann’s vote against raising the debt ceilings and her proven ideas for reducing the debt are needed in the White House.

Bachmann also briefly addressed the audience, telling them that securing the southern border and repealing “Obamacare” are among her priorities.

She also addressed the budget, saying, “My parents taught me that you can’t spend more than my dad’s paycheck,” she said.

She also spoke about how her experience in Congress qualifies her for the world leadership role of the President.

“I get the same kind of briefing the President gets,” she said. “We are facing the most volatile time for our country in the past 40 years.”

Iran, she says, has recently announced its plan to build –and use – nuclear weapons. America needs a president who will take of the “politically correct glasses” and see Iran for what it is – a country whose constitution calls for jihad, she said. Bachmann also vowed to stand as an ally with Israel.

“I like her,” said Don Eells. I used to watch her on Sean Hannity’s show and think, 'This lady ought to run for President.'”

Others in the audience, however, said they were leaning toward supporting other candidates in the Jan. 3 Caucus.

Bachmann said Benton County is the 60th county she has visited in a 10-day tour of all 99 counties.