Michele Bachmann Campaign Statement on Iowa Co-Chair Defection to Ron Paul: “A Deliberate Move by the Ron Paul Campaign to Discredit our Campaign” – 12/28/11 UPDATED: Paul Campaign Denies Paying for Switch

Here is a statement (Via Gretawire) issued by the Michele Bachmann Campaign tonight in response to news that their Iowa State Co-Chair – Kent Sorenson – has jumped ship to Ron Paul:

Subject: Bachmann Statement on Sen. Kent Sorenson joining Ron Paul Campaign

Michele Bachmann responds to Senator Kent Sorenson joining Ron Paul for President:

“It’s clear that this was a deliberate move by the Ron Paul campaign to discredit our campaign and our growing momentum. Ron Paul is in trouble in Iowa and his campaign is worried about people learning about his dangerous stance on foreign policy and how he will make America less safe.

“Kent Sorenson personally told me he was offered a large sum of money to go to work for the Paul campaign. Kent campaigned with us earlier this afternoon and went immediately afterward to a Ron Paul event and announced he is changing teams. Kent said to me yesterday that ‘everyone sells out in Iowa, why shouldn’t I,’ then he told me he would stay with our campaign. The Ron Paul campaign has to answer for its actions.

“We are almost through with our 99 county tour and have seen overwhelming support all across Iowa. This is clearly an effort on the part of the Paul campaign to throw cold water on our growing momentum.

“We are thrilled to announce that State Senator Brad Zaun is now Iowa Chairman of our campaign. He has tremendous respect across the state and he has worked tirelessly for our campaign. I am proud to have him as our State Chairman.”

NOTE: The Paul Campaign flatly denies they have paid Sorenson to switch.