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Talking Points: Bachmann Leaving Congress, Not Politics

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- After 8 years in Congress, one of Minnesota's best known political figures is leaving office.

But Rep. Michele Bachmann isn't leaving quietly.

In her final weeks representing the 6th Congressional District, she has continued to clash with the Obama Administration and make the kinds of bold statements that have made her a conservative icon and outraged her many critics.

The question now is: What's next for this Tea Party favorite and former presidential candidate?

Recently at a White House Christmas Party, she told Obama he should bomb Iran in order to dismantle the country's nuclear capabilities. She has also spoken out against the President's immigration proposal and denounced his plan to normalize ties with Cuba.

She says she will be just as vocal in her retirement.

She plans to make speeches around the country and write editorials. While for now she is ruling out another run for the White House, she promises to be very active in the 2016 presidential race, especially if Hilary Rodham Clinton runs.

"While serving on the intelligence committee, I was able to have front row seat on Mrs. Clinton during with the Benghazi tragedy, with her failed Russian reset, also she…was the architect behind opening up the door to Cuba," Bachmann said on WCCO Sunday Morning.

She also said she can offer insight on what it's like to run for president as a woman.

If Bachmann changes her mind on running for president herself or any other office, she will be well positioned. She has continued to raise money for her political action committee, and she can use that money to finance other candidates or causes, including any future run she makes for political office.

Watch the full interview with Bachmann in the video above.

You can watch WCCO Sunday Morning with Esme Murphy and Kylie Bearse every Sunday at 6 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

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