Still, Ms. Bachmann, a lawyer, former state senator and mother of five who with her husband, Marcus, a clinical therapist, has opened their home to 23 foster children, has not so far objected to the speculation, particularly the comparisons to Ms. Palin.

“Sarah Palin is a dedicated mother, committed public servant and strong political figure who has fought hard to protect life, the family budget, and freedom,” Ms. Bachmann said, noting that Ms. Palin’s book — not yet out — was already selling in enormous numbers, while “Nancy Pelosi’s book sold a paltry 2,737 copies in its first week of sales” in 2008…

One of her Democratic opponents next year, Maureen Reed, said Ms. Bachmann “injects fear and anger in people, and people don’t solve problems well when they’re fearful and angry.” Ms. Reed said her goal was to “dial down the fear, dial down the anger.”