Occupy Hecklers Drown Out Bachmann at Iowa Diner

By RYAN J. FOLEY, Associated Press
December 22, 2011

APTOPIX Bachmann 2012

Republican presidential candidate, Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., sits on a motorcycle during a campaign stop at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The Hamburg Inn in Iowa City has long been a popular stop for presidential candidates, but it probably won't be high on Rep. Michele Bachmann's list anymore.

About two dozen activists with Occupy Iowa City packed the diner before Bachmann arrived there Thursday, then loudly chanted in unison as she tried to mingle with supporters. Their chant blasted the Minnesota congresswoman's position on gay rights, health care and taxes and ended with: "You're not wanted here. So go, just go."

The restaurant blared Christmas songs over the loudspeaker to drown out the protesters. Police arrived as tensions rose, but no one was arrested.

Bachmann seemed undeterred. Before leaving, she thanked the owner, praised the food and said it was great to be in Iowa City.

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