STILLWATER, Minn. – Fresh on the heels of today’s decision by the Supreme Court that the right to same-sex marriage is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, comes news from Minnesota that Marcus Bachmann, husband of former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, has filed for divorce.
The Bachmanns, who met at Minnesota’s Winona State University in the 1970s, were compatible faith-wise as born-again Christians, also sharing similar views on politics. Believe it or not, they both worked on Jimmy Carter‘s 1976 presidential campaign while both were Democrats! But that was a long, long time ago, as measured by the political calendar, and a lot can change over the years.
In the interim, Michele Bachmann’s political career took off, as did Marcus’ controversial therapy practice; they eventually fostered 23 children, and Michele became a top conservative within the GOP, leading Minnesota’s Tea Party Caucus.
Rumors of marital discord surfaced last March, after Indiana Governor Mike Pence enacted what became known as the RFRA, or the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Reports surfaced that Mr. Bachmann was denied service in Indiana from a dress boutique owner who assumed he “was perhaps a homosexual man”, rumors that have been staunchly denied.
“It’s unfair that just because Marcus Bachmann shops for Michele’s outfits, he’s branded a gay person,” says GOP fundraiser and political commentator Althea Thoone. “It’s a big gay stereotype. We would all sit and laugh about it. Marcus would laugh the hardest and longest. As Michele has said many times in the past, there’s never been a gay bone in his body.”
So, is it a coincidence that the reported dissolution of the Bachmann marriage comes on the day same-sex marriage is legitimized by the Supreme Court, or is it just bad optics? The question is a legitimate one, because the Bachmanns are usually always on point with the timing of their messages. GOP insiders still praise Michele to this day for her tireless critiques and rebuttals against Obama’s policies, always tied in to current, up-to-the-minute, topical, global events. “We really miss her,” said Thoone.
A public statement has yet to be issued by Marcus Bachmann, who, according to public records, reportedly initiated the action for immediate dissolution of the marriage. Also as of yet, no comment from former caucus head Michele.
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