Bachmann files for NH primary — by mail

Michele Bachmann’s paperwork to appear on the presidential primary ballot in New Hampshire arrived Wednesday — in the mail.

The New Hampshire Secretary of State’s office confirmed that Bachmann filed by mail to participate in the primary.

{mosads}Most candidates have chosen to appear in person, using the formality as an opportunity to showcase their support in the first-in-the-nation primary state. Mitt Romney staged a rally in conjunction with his filing on the statehouse steps on Monday, and Newt Gingrich showed up on Tuesday. Vice President Biden filed his and President Obama’s paperwork last week.

Rick Perry is scheduled to file in New Hampshire on Friday.

The decision not to file in person seemed to reinforce the perception that Bachmann has written off New Hampshire. Bachmann’s campaign staff in the state has resigned en masse, arguing in a scathing letter than Bachmann had ignored and mistreated them and the state’s voters.

New Hampshire’s primary date is likely to be Jan. 10, but is still in limbo due to a reshuffling of the early-state primary calendar set off by Florida’s decision to move its primary up to Jan. 31 in defiance of Republican Party rules.