Michele Bachmann Seeks Miracle Ahead Of Iowa Caucus

By Eric Johnson

OSKALOOSA, Iowa, Jan 1 (Reuters) - Facing colossalodds in the Republican nomination race, presidential candidateMichele Bachmann cast her struggle in Biblical terms on Sundayin a late attempt to win over conservative voters.

Bachmann spoke from the pulpit of a small church in rural Iowa, telling the congregation about a small group of Israeliteswho emerged victorious from a battle in which they wereoutmatched in numbers and weaponry.

"I admonish you, don't for one moment think that youradversity is one that cannot be scaled," said Bachmann, who hasbeen beset by a series of setbacks, most recently hersixth-place finish in an influential poll on Saturday.

Several "Amens" rang out in the Jubilee Family Church when congresswoman Bachmann said the Israelites' victory was dueto their faith in God, who smote their foes.

The Iowa-born Bachmann, 55, was once a leading light forevangelical voters in Iowa, which on Tuesday holds the nation'sfirst voting contest to pick a candidate to challenge PresidentBarack Obama in 2012.

She shot to the top of polls of Republicans in August afterwinning the Ames straw poll in the state but is now fast losingsupport from conservatives to former Pennsylvania Senator RickSantorum.

After the church service, Bachmann, fresh off of a99-county, 7,000-mile tour of Iowa, said the only endorsementshe is after is that of people of Iowa.

"That's why we saw literally thousands of people in cafesand homes all across Iowa make a decision on the spot that theywill be supporting me ... because they want someone who they cantrust. I am a real, authentic Iowan."

"She has my vote, now," said Tony Hol, a 46-year-old farmerwho lives near Oskaloosa. "I've listened to other candidates andlistened to her. She doesn't change her story with differentaudiences. And that is very important to me," said Hol.

Bachmann, who campaign staffers say is short of funds, is indanger of an early elimination from the nomination race if sheloses badly in Iowa.

"I like her. I just don't think she'll get the votes to makeit," said worshipper and day-care worker Alicia VanDerVeer, 38."I like Rick Perry. (Should) I say that quietly?"

Bachmann could still be helped by endorsements, such as thatof Iowa Rep. Steve King, one of Bachmann's closest allies inCongress, who has praised her but stopped short of an outrightendorsement.