Michele Bachmann Rejects 'Dancing With the Stars;' Focuses on More 'Serious Issues'

(Photo: REUTERS/Daniel Acker)
Republican U.S. presidential candidate and Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann embraces singer Randy Travis during a performance at the Iowa straw poll in Ames, Iowa August 13, 2011.

By Eryn Sun , Christian Post Reporter

February 16, 2012|11:09 am

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann will not be joining ABC's hit show "Dancing with the Stars" this March contrary to rumors indicating otherwise.

Bachmann and Herman Cain were allegedly invited to appear on DWTS' 14th season alongside other celebrities and stars, but both politicians denied their participation.

"In full disclose, I did win a polka dancing competition when I was in the tenth grade at my alma mater, Anoka High School in Anoke, Minn.," the Minnesota Rep. announced on her website Wednesday.

"But, despite my tenth grade polka success and my lifelong love of ballroom dancing, the recent rumors are false. I will not be joining 'Dancing with the Stars.'"

Instead of focusing on how to perfect her quickstep or jive, the former presidential candidate revealed that she would be concentrating on more serious issues like fixing the economy.

"My time and attention remains committed to creating more private sector jobs, and higher paying jobs, in the Sixth Congressional District. Serious issues face our nation. I'm continuing to push for cutting wasteful government spending, a successful conclusion to the decades-long St. Croix River Crossing Project in my district, and repealing the government takeover of health care."

In addition to Bachmann's announcement, Cain also expelled rumors of appearing on DWTS.

His assistant, Lisa Reichert, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "He can't dance in an eight-count."

"He can only dance in a nine-count," Reichert said, referencing his 9-9-9 tax plan, which would remove all payroll taxes and purportedly lift a $430 billion burden on the economy.

Previously, DWTS secured other political figures such as former House Majority Leader Tom Delay, who quit the contest in 2009 due to stress fractures in both of his feet.

Bristol Palin, daughter of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, also joined the show in 2010, winning third place in the competition.

With Bachmann and Cain out, other names currently being tossed about include Gavin DeGraw, Perez Hilton, Regis Philbin, and Giuliana Rancic.

"Dancing with the Stars" returns on Monday, March 19 at 8 p.m., ET for a two-hour season premiere.

This season's celebrities will be announced live from the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood on Tuesday, Feb. 28 exclusively during "Good Morning America" on ABC.