Bachmann staffs up ahead of early voting states

South Carolina is of particular importance to Bachmann — although Iowa has been central to her campaign strategy and votes first in the nation, Bachmann has invested substantial resources to court voters in South Carolina, home to a large number of socially conservative voters where Bachmann’s message is likely to resonate.

The announcement could also reflect an attempt to quell a series of stories documenting high-profile departures from Bachmann’s campaign staff in recent weeks. Campaign manager Ed Rollins stepped down in September, and in October, it was announced that pollster Ed Goeas will leave the campaign and adviser Andy Parrish will return to her congressional office.

Bachmann’s campaign said it had decided to prioritize volunteer efforts above polling, and that it was always the plan for temporary campaign workers to return to Bachmann’s congressional office after the Iowa straw poll, which Bachmann won in August.