Monday jottings

Happy Monday everyone!

Some items from the weekend in case you missed them.

First, Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann didn't do as well as she had hoped in Florida's GOP Straw Poll this weekend. In fact, she got dead last (http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/130505468.html), which is now raising questions about how her own electability as as candidate. It should be noted that this was only a straw poll and NOT the actual Florida GOP primary, which isn't scheduled until 2012. Her campaign said Bachmann is focusing most of her resources in Iowa, where she won the Ames Straw Poll in June and helped diminish a presidential run of former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.

Second, President Barack Obama is firing back and openly mocking his GOP presidential opponents while campaigning for re-election and his jobs bill out west (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OBAMA_REPUBLICANS_?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT). Obama criticized Perry for his stances on climate change while his state deals with wild fires. He also took aim at a few activists at a recent GOP debate in Florida for booing a gay U.S. soldier serving in Iraq.

Third, the Republican National Committee Chairman said there's still time for other GOP candidates to join the field (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_REPUBLICANS_2012?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT). Among those encouraged to run has been New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who has said numerous times he is not interested in a White House bid in 2012. It's also unknown if Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will join the race. The current field of candidates includes former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, Texas Governor Rick Perry, Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, business entrepreneur Herman Cain, former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, Texas Congressman Ron Paul, former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, and former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson.

Fourth, Colts owner Jim Irsay reportedly announced Manning would not be back for the season during a breakfast meeting with Superbowl donors Monday (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d822952fc/article/report-colts-irsay-says-manning-likely-out-for-season?module=HP11_breaking_news). Irsay later clarified his remarks on Twitter and didn't say he was out for sure, and that the team was taking it month by month. Manning had surgery on his neck during the NFL lockout last spring and again Sept.8 after not being ready for the season-opener. He has not been placed on injured reserve and the Colts have been mum on his status.

And finally, my beloved Minnesota Vikings gave up a 20-0 deficit and allowed the Detroit Lions to come back and win 26-23 in OT. All I can ask is what the heck is going on?