DCCC suggests Bachmann's 'House Call' violated House rules

Democratic strategists on Wednesday suggested Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) had violated House rules by advertising last week's heathcare "House Call" on her official congressional Web site.

According to chamber guidelines, lawmakers' Web pages "may not include grassroots lobbying or solicit support for a Member's position" -- a requirement the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said Bachmann had clearly violated.

“Michele Bachmann’s misuse of taxpayer dollars and disregard for House rules is further proof that she is willing to do whatever it takes to promote her extreme right wing agenda," a DCCC spokesman said in a statement Wednesday.

"Minnesota's families need real solutions, Michele Bachmann is dedicated to the status quo and using taxpayer dollars to support big insurance companies," he added.

Bachmann's office, however, is mostly steering clear of the insinuations. Her spokeswoman previously told reporters the Minnesota Republican's Web site merely "encourages the American people to exercise their right to petition" -- hinting that the congresswoman's advertisements were within the confines of House rules.

Bachmann's press secretary, however, was unavailable for further comment.