Bachmann makes ‘most-embarrassing’ list, again

Rep. Michele Bachmann made Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington’s 2010 Most Embarrassing Re-elects list, along with 10 other members of Congress. The rankings, released Monday, include an even split between Democrats and Republicans who, according to CREW, have violated the public trust.

“Most Americans would be fired if they were caught patronizing a prostitute or abusing their positions for personal gain, but members of Congress aren’t most Americans,” CREW Executive Director Melanie Sloan said in a statement. “Instead, these lawmakers are headed back to Washington where they are expected to police themselves, which is about as likely as the Grinch actually stealing Christmas.”

Bachmann makes the cut along with: Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX), Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), Rep. Laura Richardson (D-CA), Rep. Peter Visclosky (D-IN), Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), Rep. Don Young (R-AK) and Sen. David Vitter (R-LA)

Bachmann was selected by CREW because she “used her official congressional website to organize a rally against health care reform, and called for an investigation into the ‘anti-American’ views of fellow members of Congress.”

The group filed a complaint with the Office of Congressional Ethics in Nov. 2009 after Bachmann used her official website to organize her “House Call” rally against health care reform efforts. CREW also notes that Bachmann did not get the proper permit for the rally.

House rules restrict members from using their websites to engage in “grassroots lobbying” or to solicit support for a member’s position,” wrote CREW. “Rep. Bachmann’s website urged people to come to the Capitol rally ‘and tell their Representatives to vote no’ on the health care reform bill.”

Bachmann also made CREW’s list in 2008. Along with Rangel and Young, she is one of three repeat offenders for CREW.

Prior to her election to Congress, CREW was keeping an eye on Bachmann. In 2006, the group went after the Living Word Christian Center after its pastor, Mac Hammond, endorsed her from the pulpit.