Josh Haner/The New York Times

LE MARS, Iowa — Laura Bush, a former librarian, dedicated herself as first lady to improving reading. Michelle Obama wants to help children become healthier.

But if Michele Bachmann becomes president, her husband, Marcus, said Friday that he would use his time as first spouse to wage a pro-marriage, pro-family and “pro-life” campaign.

“I’ve decided my cause is not going to be Happy Meals,” he said during a stop at the Family Table Restaurant here, apparently a dig at Mrs. Obama.

“We are going to be the message givers,” said Mr. Bachmann, who runs a Christian counseling service that has been accused of trying to “heal” gays by persuading them to become heterosexual.

“We are going to get this message across,” he said. “Marriage is between one man and one woman. We are going to promote families.”