Just two weeks ago, a PPP survey showed Gingrich with a commanding 36 percent to 18 percent lead over his next closest rival, Romney. Santorum was in third with 17 percent and Paul in fourth with 13 percent.

Roulet explains lives in the northeastern corner of Maple Grove, an area expected to be part of a new district once court-drawn lines are released Feb. 21.

While Bachmann's numbers in Iowa are marginally better than she's seen elsewhere, they're likely still seen as disappointing given the premium Team Bachmann has placed on its performance there.

Michele Bachmann enjoys support from just 8 percent of likely GOP primary voters in the presidential contest, according to a new national poll by Rasmussen Reports. Texas Gov. Rick Perry is the top choice, garnering support from 28 percent of respondents, with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney close behind at 24 percent.

New survey results give Perry a commanding 36 percent showing, a 20-point lead over his next-closest rival Mitt Romney. Minnesota's Michele Bachmann came in at third at just 9 percent.

In July, the first time Perry was included in the Gallup survey, his support registered at 18 percent. He now sits at 29 percent.

"No one is sinking faster than Bachmann," the polling analysis notes.

A survey of Iowa Republicans shows Rick Perry's support at 29 percent, by far the highest among the field. The next highest level of support was Bachmann's 17 percent.

The survey of likely caucus voters shows Bachmann with 22 percent support. Pawlenty was fifth with 5 percent.

DFL La Prairie City Council member Joe Gould plans to challenge first-term Republican Rep. Carolyn McElfatrick for her Iron Range House seat next fall.