Bachmann in statistical tie in district

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., trails her Democratic challenger in a statistically tied race, a poll indicates.

Bachmann drew fierce criticism for comments she made during an appearance last week on MSNBC's "Hardball with Chris Mathews," when she suggested that Democratic presidential nominee holds "un-American views." Her Democratic challenger, Elwyn Tinklenberg, reported receiving more than $1 million in campaign donations within a day or so after Bachmann's contentious remarks.

A Survey USA poll of Bachmann's district -- conducted for KSTP-TV in Minneapolis and released late Thursday -- found 47 percent of respondents said they plan to vote for Tinklenberg, 44 percent for Bachmann and 6 percent for Independence Party candidate Bob Anderson.

Bachmann, who had previously served in the state Senate, was elected to Congress in 2006 with a 7 percent margin. President George W. Bush won 57 percent of the vote in the district in 2004.

Bachmann, a lawyer, gained attention in Minnesota as an anti-abortion and education activist. She is the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Minnesota.