Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann toured a manufacturing plant in Indianola this afternoon to make her case against President Obama. 

“Cemen Tech has been devastated by Obama policies,” Bachmann said during remarks to employees. “How? You’re a thriving company, but your company has had your workforce reduced by more than 50 percent since the start of the recession. That’s devastating.”

Cemen Tech makes cement mixing equipment.

Bachmann has just wrapped up a three-day campaign swing through the state, fending off new challenges from competitor Tim Pawlenty who has questioned her accomplishments during her three terms in congress. In a written statement, Bachmann said she had been a leading voice in congress against “ObamaCare” and her message had inspired “tens of thousands of Americans” to join Tea Party rallies to protest the legislation.

On Monday afternoon, a reporter asked about Pawlenty’s assertion that she lacks executive experience.

“I come with the knowledge and background of having a doctorate and a post-doctorate degree in tax law. I’ve dealt with it  practically in the United States tax court and as a job creator,” Bachmann said. “My husband and I started our business from scratch and we create jobs and we produce a profit every year, which we’re very proud of.” The Bachmanns run a counseling service. 

During her speech to factory workers, Bachmann said executive experience was one thing, but not if it is “more of the same big government as usual.”  And Bachmann said she has a “consistent, proven record” as a critic of government excess, regardless of which party is in charge.

(This story was updated at 6:30 a.m.)