Local police in suburban Des Moines, Iowa, say the protesters were arrested for trespassing.
Urbandale police arrest an Occupy protestor during a demonstration outside the headquarters of Republican presidential candidate Rep. Michele Bachmann, of Minnesota, on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, in Urbandale, Iowa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
By BRIAN BAKST, Associated Press
URBANDALE, Iowa (AP) — At least 15 protesters connected to the nationwide Occupy movement have been arrested outside the presidential campaign headquarters of Republican candidates Michele Bachmann and Newt Gingrich.
Local police in suburban Des Moines, Iowa, say the protesters were arrested for trespassing.
A few dozen demonstrators massed outside the office Saturday where Bachmann had come to rally staff and make calls to potential Republican caucus-goers. Campaign security told the protesters not to approach the office. Occupy demonstrators say 10 people, including two juveniles, were arrested after they ignored security and police were called.
Bachmann did not come outside of the building.
The congresswoman from Minnesota is far back in public opinion polls as the first vote in the Republican nominating season begins.
The protesters moved on to Texas Gov. Rick Perry's campaign office, where no arrests were reported. From there they went to former House speaker Newt Gingrich's office, where five more trespassing arrests were made.
Hundreds of Occupy activists from at least 10 states were expected to participate in a "People's Caucus" in Des Moines as the Jan. 3 caucuses near. The activists are promising to interrupt candidates at events and camp out at their Iowa campaign offices.