According to the publication Daily Tax Report, Sixth District Congresswoman Michele Bachmann is in the running for a seat on the powerful tax-writing Ways and Means Committee.

The Report (available only to subscribers) mentions Bachmann has one of at least four Republican possibilities; six GOP positions open up due to retirements, including that of Third District Minnesotan Jim Ramstad.

Additional Republican members could be defeated in what many see as a Democrats' year. That fate could also befall Bachmann, who faces a stiff reelection challenge from DFL/Independence Party endorsee El Tinklenberg.

Nevertheless, the Stillwater Republican told the Report, "It would be a dream ticket for me to be able to have a seat on Ways and Means. I would love to be able to do that." (Bachmann has not yet responded to a MinnPost request for comment.)

Currently, the Ways and Means committee has 24 Democrats and 17 Republicans. One unnamed Democratic member told the Tax Report that Donkey Party membership won't rise even in a big year, but Republican membership could fall to 12 or 13. Therefore, even if Bachmann wins, it's possible a musical chair may not open up.

Bachmann has some strengths, though.

On non-tax matters, she's racked up some owesies by relentlessly pushing the Republicans' message about offshore and ANWR oil-drilling in national media appearances.

She's also a former tax lawyer who's steadfastly asserted anti-tax positions. According to her website, Bachmann supports repealing the estate tax and alternative minimum tax. She also supports the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, which would limit government spending hikes to the inflation rate plus population growth. (In case you're wondering, the Appropriations Committee handles the spending side.)

The Report also notes the Ways and Means committee currently has no Republican woman member. Bachmann currently sits on the less-heralded Financial Services Committee.

On the flip side, a seat on the favor-granting Ways and Means has a price tag: the Report notes Democrats there must raise more cash for the party's campaign committee than other Democrats.