Minnesota congresswoman Michele Bachmann announced her presidential candidacy this morning at Snowden House. The announcement took place in Waterloo, the city she was born in.

“I’m Michele Bachmann and I’m running for President of the United States,” she said.

Her official announcement came two weeks after Bachmann announced she had filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to seek the Republican nomination.

“I’m a descendent of generations of Iowans,” Bachmann said.

Throughout her announcement, Bachmann continually emphasized her connections to Iowa. The congresswoman also made the point that Iowa, like the rest of the nation, was very different 50 years ago.

“We trusted in God and our neighbors, and not in government,” Bachmann said, as she recalled growing up in Waterloo. “I never thought that I would end up in public life.”

Bachmann informed the crowd her campaign would be based on the principles of constitutional conservatism.

“Americans are the solution, and not the government,” Bachmann said.

The congresswoman also emphasized her connections to the tea party several times. 

“Our voice has been growing louder and stronger,” said Bachmann. “It’s the tea party movement, and I’m one of them.'”

In a recent poll from the Des Moines Register, Bachmann placed second. She finished behind candidate Mitt Romney as the candidate respondents most wanted to see as the 2012 Republican nominee.

In a poll released by the Public Policy Polling organization, which asked voters to choose their top pick to run against Barack Obama, Michele Bachmann got the least number of votes.