More Proof the Republicans Don't Want True Conservatives Leading the Party: Michele Bachmann Not Likely to Pick Up Major Leadership Position in the House

It looks like any chance of Michele Bachmann having a major leadership position in this new Congress are becoming less and less. From the Washington Post:

Rep. Michele Bachmann's (R-Minn.) campaign for a leadership spot in the new Congress seems to be floundering as establishment Republicans close ranks around her opponent.

On Monday, the outspoken conservative posted online the letter she sent to colleagues announcing her bid for Republican conference chairman.

"Over the past four years, I have fought continually (and at some cost) for the principals [sic] of constitutional conservatism," she wrote. "To our Conference I bring strong principled conservative values, a proven level of experience, effectiveness with our friends in the local and national media, and an energetic national constituency that reflects the results of Tuesday night. It is important that our Conference demonstrate to the people who sent us here that their concerns will be tirelessly advanced at the table of leadership.

In an interview with the Daily Caller, she emphasized her tea party ties as a selling point. "I think, quite frankly, that the new leadership going forward needs to reflect the result of last Tuesday's election," she said. "The Tea Party is really made up of people who oppose the Obama, Reid, Pelosi election and many of them are apolitical and independent. I really believe that that voice needs and deserves to have a place at the table." " In a second letter to congressional Republicans sent Monday, she again pushed the idea that making her conference chair would "ensure that all voices within the Republican Party are heard."

But The Hill's Jordan Fabian points out that while rival Rep. Jeb Hensarling was put on the GOP's transition team, Bachmann wasn't. (Two tea party winners -- Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and Tim Scott of South Carolina -- were included.) House GOP Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) has endorsed Hensarling. Presumptive Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and outgoing Conference Chairman Mike Pence (R-Ind.) are behind him too.

As Perry Bacon wrote last week, Bachmann raised more money than any other House candidate this cycle -- her $11 million topped even Boehner's total. But some Republicans are getting annoyed with Bachmann for using the tea party mantle.