Bachmann Making Town Hall Stop Thursday

With all the talk about Texas Gov. Rick Perry stepping on her toes, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) had another foe holding back her primary momentum this week: Irene. The powerful hurricane, now a Category 3 as it slowly moves toward the Bahamas, has kept local attention off of the GOP 2012 Presidential Primary.

But eyes and ears return to the race Thursday night as Bachmann speaks to local residents for the second Presidential Town Hall forum hosted by Rep. Tim Scott (R-S.C.).

"The goal of our town hall series is for voters to ask presidential candidates the questions that are important to them," Scott said in a statement. "I am excited to introduce my colleague Michele Bachmann to the voters of South Carolina, and I know she will find a deep base of support in our state."

The town hall forums are a good way for Scott to insert himself in the presidential jockeying that will play out in advance of next spring's primary elections, said Jeri Cabot, an adjunct political science professor at the College of Charleston. "It makes him look like a gatekeeper."

"Now that we’re free of a direct hit, she’ll attract a pretty good crowd," Cabot said. She notes the crowd will likely be ready to move on. "I wouldn't expect any questions about natural disasters."

The event begins at 7 p.m. at Building 920 at Trident Technical College's main campus on Rivers Avenue. The doors open at 6 p.m.

The trip is the second to the Lowcountry in less than a week. Bachmann visited for a rally at Patriots Point. Scott previously hosted former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman in the last Presidential Town Hall.