Michele Bachmann misses 37 percent of House votes

WASHINGTON, July 26 (UPI) -- Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., missed 37 percent of votes in the House since she formally began her bid to be the GOP presidential nominee, a review indicates.

Bachmann, leader the House Tea Party Caucus who surged to near the top of the Republican presidential field, has missed 50 of 135 votes taken since she announced her candidacy in June in Waterloo, Iowa, The Hill said Tuesday.

Bachmann's absentee rate is significantly higher than the other two House members seeking the party's 2012 nod. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas has missed 25 of 307 votes, roughly 8 percent, since entering the race May 13. Rep Thaddeus McCotter of Michigan missed nearly 10 percent -- 13 of 135 votes -- since announcing his candidacy in early July, The Hill said.

Bachmann's campaign did not comment to The Hill.

The majority of Bachmann's absences came during last week's session, although she cast votes to pass the Republican "Cut, Cap and Balance" plan that would raise the debt limit while reducing federal spending and to hold off a Democratic challenge to that legislation.

Bachmann sad she wouldn't seek re-election to her House seat while pursuing the presidential nomination. If her campaign falls short, however, she is expected to seek a fourth term representing a suburban Twin Cities district.

McCotter hasn't indicated whether he will seek re-election to his House seat while pursuing the GOP nomination. Paul has said he is not seeking re-election.