Michele Bachmann's Campaign Chief, Deputy Quit

Like Newt Gingrich before her, GOP presidential hopeful Michelle Bachmann has lost two of her most senior aides.

Ed Rollins, Bachmann's campaign manager, said he cannot work rigorous 14-hour days every day of the week for the Minnesota Republican. His deputy, David Polyansky, will also be stepping down.

After suffering a stroke 18 months ago, Rollins, 68, attributed health reasons as the primary reason for his departure, The Daily Mail reported. No reason was given for why Polyansky stepped down.

I have great affection for her. I'll do everything I can to help her. It's still very much the team I put in place. I just don't have the endurance to 12- to 14-hour days seven days a week anymore, Rollins said. David and I have been a team for a long time. It's just a good time to make a change.

Rollins also didn't beat around the bush when it came to discussing Bachmann's chances of winning the GOP nomination.

I think, legitimately, it's a Romney-Perry race, Rollins said. I think she's the third candidate at this point in time -- which is way different and better than we'd thought when we started this thing -- and she's very much in this thing.

Bachmann said one of her strategists would take over on an interim basis; Rollins will stay on in a senior advisory role.

In less than 50 days, and with few resources than other campaigns, Ed was the architect that led our campaign to a historic victory in Iowa, Bachmann said in a statement Monday night. I am grateful for his guidance and leadership, and fortunate to retain his valuable advice even though his health no longer permits him to oversee the day-to-day operations of the campaign.