Michele Bachmann expressed skepticism of evolution at the Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans, Friday.
"I support intelligent design," Bachmann told reporters following her speech at the conference, CNN reports. "What I support is putting all science on the table and then letting students decide. I don't think it's a good idea for government to come down on one side of scientific issue or another, when there is reasonable doubt on both sides."
"I would prefer that students have the ability to learn all aspects of an issue," Bachmann said. "And that's why I believe the federal government should not be involved in local education to the most minimal possible process."
Bachmann, riding high after a strong showing in the GOP debate in New Hampshire Monday night, was received by an adoring crowd at the RLC. According the CBS, she was greeted with a standing ovation and an audience member shouting “Love you!” when she walked onstage.
"Love you too!" she replied.
"You survived Katrina! You survived President Obama's oil moratorium! There is nothing you cannot survive!"
Bachmann used her speech to attack President Barack Obama's economic policies, telling the crowd that Obama "got a big F on his economic report card."
“I feel that my greatest accomplishment has been to bring the voice of the people into the halls of Congress," Bachmann said. She vowed to oppose raising the debt ceiling and cut funding for Planned Parenthood.
"Get ready 2012 -- the Tea Party will be bigger than ever," Bachmann said.