Trent Franks Backs Michele Bachmann in Presidential Race

One of the leading conservatives in Congress, U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., announced he is endorsing U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota for the Republican presidential nomination.

"I know Michele is right on the issues that are important to conservatives across the country and I know she won't back off," Franks said in a statement on Thursday. "I have seen her at work in Washington, standing firm on key issues like Obamacare, the debt ceiling, and TARP.

"Congressman Franks and I have fought together in Washington for smaller government and responsible government spending, and I'm honored to have him on my team," Bachmann said. "He's a respected colleague, and will be invaluable in our work to gain support in Iowa and the early primary states, eventually securing the GOP nomination