US Representatives Michele Bachmann, R-MN, makes remarks during a press...

US Representatives Michele Bachmann, R-MN, makes remarks during a press conference. (Jan. 18, 2011) Credit: TIM SLOAN/AFP/Getty Images

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann is bringing her outspoken anti-tax message to Iowa and sparking speculation about whether her visit to the state means she's leaning toward a presidential run.

Iowa's presidential caucuses prompt intense interest in any candidate who visits the state, and Bachmann has acknowledged she's considering seeking the Republican nomination in 2012.

Given her stands for big cuts in government spending and opposition to President Barack Obama's health care reforms, Bachmann should get a friendly reception at the Friday night event by Iowans for Tax Relief in Des Moines.

Besides speaking at the anti-tax event, Bachmann will meet separately with top Iowa Republicans, including Gov. Terry Branstad and Iowa House Speaker Kraig Paulsen.

Nassau Republicans awarded over $1 million in taxpayer-funded legal contracts to the one-man law firm of Sheharyar Ali, a longtime GOP ally. Ali's father is an adviser to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa and Newsday Nassau County politics reporter Bahar Ostadan have the story. Credit: Newsday Studios; File Footage

'Democrats say this is a misuse of taxpayer funds' Nassau Republicans awarded over $1 million in taxpayer-funded legal contracts to the one-man law firm of Sheharyar Ali, a longtime GOP ally. Ali's father is an adviser to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa and Newsday Nassau County politics reporter Bahar Ostadan have the story.

Nassau Republicans awarded over $1 million in taxpayer-funded legal contracts to the one-man law firm of Sheharyar Ali, a longtime GOP ally. Ali's father is an adviser to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa and Newsday Nassau County politics reporter Bahar Ostadan have the story. Credit: Newsday Studios; File Footage

'Democrats say this is a misuse of taxpayer funds' Nassau Republicans awarded over $1 million in taxpayer-funded legal contracts to the one-man law firm of Sheharyar Ali, a longtime GOP ally. Ali's father is an adviser to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa and Newsday Nassau County politics reporter Bahar Ostadan have the story.

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