The beginning of the end for the Bachmann “gaffe prone” campaign.
(Politico) Ed Rollins is going to be stepping back from day-to-day management of the  Michele Bachmann campaign, and moving into a senior advisory role, he said in an  interview.
Rollins said the reason for the change is personal — his health and the  rigors of a campaign.   “I wish I was 40 years old, but I’m not,” he told POLITICO.  “I’m 68 years old, I had a stroke a year and a half ago. I’m worn out.”
The change is coming just as Bachmann is entering a new phase of the race,  searching for the right way forward against the Rick Perry juggernaut, which has  sucked away the oxygen since her Ames Straw Poll win.   Rollins insisted this represents a change of schedule but not his commitment  to Bachmann.
“I want nothing but the best for her, she’s a great candidate, I’ll continue  to be there for her,” he said.  Bachmann spokeswoman Alice Stewart, who worked with Rollins on the Mike  Huckabee campaign in 2007, said, “The plan all along has been to restructure  things after the straw poll. Ed has – and will always be – a valuable part of  the campaign. Given his health, now is the perfect time for Ed to move out of  the strenuous day-to-day activities and into a senior advisor role. After a  tremendous Straw Poll victory, we look forward to building the team as we move  closer to the caucuses and primaries.”  (article)
Listening to a CNN interview with Rollins (where he remains a contributor) it is obvious he views the Bachmann campaign as quickly diminishing.   There is only so much that can be done to “create” an optic of competence.   Bachmann is a good patriot, and has a purpose within the conservative movement, but does not have the needed skill set to be Commander-in-Chief or top executive office holder.   Rollins even stated in his interview with John King that he views the primary contest as essentially between Perry and Romney with all others in the “also ran” category.   That certainly doesn’t bode well for Bachmann and the direction of her campaign.
It’s done.   Just a matter of time.