The Iowa Straw Poll is considered the first big test for the GOP in the 2012 presidential race, and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann beat out her rival Tim Pawlenty Saturday by a hefty margin.

Michele Bachmann has now given away 6,000 tickets at the Ames Straw Poll, a source familiar with the organization said. It's a number that suggests she'll leave the event with a serious head of steam.

The gay conservative group GOProud caused a bit of a stir last week by inviting Rep. Michele Bachmann to meet with them, as her campaign struggled with allegations that her husband’s clinic ...