Had my first conversation with Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., a political kindred spirit with Iowa 5th District Congressman Steve King. She’ll be part of an upcoming political feature, and Waterloo, Iowa, native Bachmann was fine with going off-topic for a few stray questions at the end of our chat.

I relayed the report this week showing U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley had the bountiful amount of $4 million in his 2010 senatorial campaign coffers, but was down for money raised in the third quarter, compared to when he ran for prior re-election six years ago. I was curious about whether federal officeseekers were typically having a tough time in fundraising.

“Members of Congress have to work even harder now in these recessionary times to raise money, than they did in the past. Also, Republicans are in the minority, and that makes it very difficult to raise money. When a member of Congress is in the majority (party), it is far easier to raise money,” she said.

Bachmann, as a committed conservative who riles Democrats, noted she needs to raise a lot of money, since “I’m one of the top targets for elimination by Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi. Because of that, I have to work that much harder on fundraising.”

Bachmann has already announced she’ll seek a third term in 2010, and she’s raised about $800K in this year and has about $600K on hand.

Additionally, I asked Bachmann if she is being prodded to seek the 2012 presidency, given her growing national profile. She said she has no doubts the GOP will produce a good crop of  presidential candidates, and threw out King as a name of interest.

“Steve King is mentioned as a potential nominee. I have a very high opinion of Steve King and his ability, so I would encourage him to consider any position for higher office,” Bachmann said.

As for herself, Bachmann said, “Goodness, I’ve only been in the House for three years, so, no, I’m not considering anything like that.”