GOP Rep. Bachmann of Minn. forms national fundraising committee for conservatives, MICHELEPAC

GOP Rep. Bachmann of Minnesota forms national PAC

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Republican U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota is starting a national fundraising committee to help fellow conservatives running for office.

The chairwoman of the House Tea Party Caucus filed paperwork Friday to form a political action committee called “Many Individual Conservatives Helping Elect Leaders Everywhere.” The acronym is MICHELEPAC.

The committee hasn’t reported raising any money yet.

Bachmann is one of the top fundraisers in Congress. She’s collected more than $4.5 million this election cycle as she seeks a third term in Minnesota’s 6th District.

Bachmann has campaigned for GOP candidates in states including New York and California. She missed an appearance in St. Louis, Mo., Saturday after being hospitalized briefly Friday for an undisclosed illness.