Is Bachmann filling Palin's political space in Iowa?

“If Congresswoman Bachmann gets in, she has the potential to appeal to a lot of people who might have gone for Governor Palin,” Gov. Terry E. Branstad of Iowa said in an interview. “Imagine if they both got in. That could make it really interesting.”…

“If Sarah doesn’t do something, she may find that the field has been pre-empted,” said Danny Carroll, a former state representative and a leading conservative activist. He said he did not know any Republicans who had recently heard from Ms. Palin.

Kent Sorensen, a Republican who was elected last fall to the Iowa Senate and has become a leader in the Tea Party movement, has signed up to work for Ms. Bachmann if she proceeds with a campaign.

“I don’t want to bash Sarah Palin, but she lacks substance,” Mr. Sorensen said. “I believe Michele Bachmann has more substance. I think she’d mop the floor with her, if you want me to be frank.”