Bachmann NH intervewer was also on payroll

The behind-the-paywall The Lobby, a Nashua Telegraph offshoot, has this look at Michele Bachmann's New Hampshire campaign chairman, Jeff Chidestar, and his recent dual rolls as both a paid adviser and a radio host who interviewed presidential candidates, including...Michele Bachmann:

According to Bachmann's quarterly filing last month, Chidester got a total of $6,250 for "management consulting" disbursed in May and June. That's more any other of her local New Hampshire consultants got that quarter. (Chidester was also reimbursed $621 for transportation and mileage.)



During that time, Chidester - who has since become Bachmann's campaign chairman in New Hampshire - was temporarily filling in for Charlie Sherman's former spot in WGIR, a gig that lasted longer than expected, as a favor for the radio station. In that role, he hosted all sorts of presidential contenders until early July, when he said he went back to just doing his Sunday spot on New Hampshire Perspective Radio Show, which he said covers more local issues. Chidester said he only officially became the state's campaign chairman shortly afterward, about two weeks ago.


Chidester told The Lobby it was more than clear he was "on her team," even if the financial element wasn't. (He's also boosted heavily on his own websites, which serves as its own sort of disclaimer). And, he told The Lobby, his approach to radio hosting was to let the guests stem-wind, as opposed to hammer them with questions.

This article tagged under: Michele Bachmann