WASHINGTON — Michele Bachmann's political action committee has issued its first endorsements and donations — and they're all staying in the state of Minnesota.

Her endorsements went to the five GOP candidates challenging Democratic incumbents this fall: Randy Demmer, Teresa Collett, Joel Demos, Lee Byberg and Chip Cravaack (in the 1st, 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th districts, respectively). Bachmann's MichelePAC donated $1,000 each, and her campaign account matched that for a total of $2,000 to each candidate.

Bachmann has said she plans to eventually model her PAC after Jim DeMint's in the Senate, including wading into Republican primaries if necessary, in an effort to elect "like-minded conservatives." The South Carolinian DeMint has become a conservative kingmaker in that body, successfully backing primary insurgents in places like Colorado and Florida over their nationally-endorsed opponents.

Though most primaries nationally have concluded, Bachmann said her goal was to begin PAC donations this year in general election contests. A PAC spokesman said it was "important" to note that she began in her home state.

"The stakes are high this year," PAC spokesman Guy Short said. "Congresswoman Bachmann is committed to helping retire Nancy Pelosi as Speaker and there is no better place to start than in Minnesota."