Bachmann running into money troubles as poll numbers fade

Mrs. Bachmann, who raised millions from small donors around the country while running for Congress from Minnesota, is encountering major headwinds raising money now, people close to the campaign said recently, threatening her ability to stay in the presidential race beyond the Iowa caucuses next year just as a late entry to the field, Gov. Rick Perry of Texas, siphons off much of her conservative base.

But Mrs. Bachmann’s difficulties are also of her own making, campaign insiders said, including her inability, so far, to be taken seriously by big-money Republican donors, especially in light of some high-profile stumbles on the campaign trail. And, these insiders said, Mrs. Bachmann resists even making calls to members of the party establishment to ask for contributions.

“When you raise small-donor money, you go on Fox and say something more or less outrageous and that’s what people contribute to,” said Ed Rollins, who stepped aside recently as Mrs. Bachmann’s campaign manager, citing ill health. “You throw a hand grenade, and people respond.”

But to attract big donors, which Mrs. Bachmann needs, “you’ve got to be a serious candidate with serious solutions,” Mr. Rollins added. “That’s a challenge.”