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Bachmann: 'Obama Care' Is 'Crown Jewel Of Socialism'

By Holly Wagner, WCCO-TV

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Some of the nation's top conservatives are in Washington right now, and many of them are eying the White House in 2012.

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann of Minnesota kicked off the Conservative Political Action Conference's three-day event.

The CPAC is seen as the first major event for potential 2012 presidential candidates to test the waters.

Bachmann told the crowd "Obama Care" is the "crown jewel of socialism" and that repealing the health care bill is the "driving motivation in her life."

She also urged conservatives to come together to win what she called the "White House Triple Crown."

"You helped pry that big gavel out of Speaker Pelosi's hands. Did anybody see that?" Bachmann said.

Rep. Bachmann told the crowd they helped win the House, now it's on to the Senate and the White House for 2012.

However, Bachmann didn't come out and say whether she will run for president.

She did spend a lot of time talking about the need for conservatives to unite over fiscal, social and national security issues, in an effort to take control of Washington in the next election.

"The all-important must have for 2012 is this: Making Barack Obama a one-term president, right? Stand up, stand up," Bachmann said.

Roughly 11,000 people are expected to attend this three-day event.

New York businessman Donald Trump, who has been rumored as a potential presidential candidate, is speaking Thursday night. Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will speak Friday afternoon.

Other people who will be part of the conference include former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

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