OPINION

Bachmann, Pawlenty Spar Over Conservative Credentials

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WASHINGTON -- The campaigns of Republican presidential hopefuls Michele Bachmann and Tim Pawlenty resumed their war of words Sunday, arguing via press release over which candidate has the stronger conservative credentials.

Minnesota Rep. Bachmann accused Pawlenty of supporting policies that are anathema to her tea party supporters, such as the individual mandate to buy health insurance and a "cap-and-trade" agreement to reduce greenhouse gases. And she slammed the former Minnesota governor for praising the federal government's 2008 bailout of banks, auto makers and insurers.