‘Master of Self-Destruction’ Michele Bachmann

Political pundit Stu Rothenberg has unveiled his year-end awards and a trio of Minnesota politicians are among the nominees. Rep. Michele Bachmann makes the cut in the “Master of Self-Destruction” category owing to her Hardball meltdown. But given that she ultimately won re-election handily, Bachmann can hardly contend with disgraced pols such as Tim Mahoney and Ted Stevens. In the category “Strongest Republican Swimmer Against the Tide,” Erik Paulsen gets a nod for decisively beating a strong Democratic opponent in Ashwin Madia. And Elwyn Tinklenberg lands on the (not-so coveted) short list for “Time to Stop Running.” The unfortunately named former Blaine mayor couldn’t come close to defeating Bachmann despite the incumbent’s best effort to sabotage her political career.