Bachmann Drops Out of Tea Party Convention

More turmoil for the National Tea Party Convention: Firebrand Michele Bachmann is dropping out. The Minnesota congresswoman says she's decided against speaking at next week's event in Nashville over concerns that organizers are fleecing the political faithful. Sarah Palin remains on the docket, with a reported $100,000 speaking fee.

A spokesman emphasizes that Bachmann has a problem with this particular event, not the tea party movement in general. In fact, another group—the Tea Party Patriots—is claiming credit. "We put pressure on Bachmann, and we're glad that she didn't go," a coordinator tells the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "I'm glad that she did the right thing." (More Michele Bachmann stories.)