With a strong June behind her, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann garnered additional traction Sunday when a new poll showed her overtaking former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts to lead in Iowa, home of the first caucus battle. But there was another sign that the first-term congresswoman is gaining momentum: She is starting to draw some of the fire from former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Pawlenty appeared Sunday on NBC’s "Meet the Press" and used it as an opportunity to attack his fellow Minnesotan.

“I like Congresswoman Bachmann,” said Pawlenty. “I've campaigned for her, I respect her. But her record of accomplishment in Congress is nonexistent. It's nonexistent. And so we're not looking for folks who, you know, just have speech capabilities, we're looking for people who can lead a large enterprise in a public setting and drive it to conclusion. I've done that, she hasn't.

“Congresswoman Bachmann and I are -- you know, share many of the same issue positions,” added Pawlenty. “We're both conservatives. I think the main difference is this: I've got executive leadership in a public setting, with a record of accomplishment and results under difficult and challenging circumstances, and she has served in Congress. And in that regard, her record of accomplishment is, you know, like I said, nonexistent.”

Bachmann responded Sunday by stressing that she stands with conservatives against the Obama administration. But she did not directly attack Pawlenty.

"I have fought the cap-and-trade agenda, rather than implement it, and I will work to end cap-and-trade as president of the United States. I stood up against President Obama's support of the $700 billion bailout rather than defend it,” said Bachmann. "I was a leading voice, fighting against Obamacare and the unconstitutional individual mandates; I did not lift my voice in praise of it. My message brought tens of thousands of Americans to Washington, D.C., to oppose Obamacare. As president, I will not rest until Obamacare is repealed. And I will not vote to raise the debt ceiling.”

The Pawlenty camp responded Monday by unveiling the endorsement of Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, who served two terms in the U.S. Senate. In his endorsement, DeWine stressed that Pawlenty was a true conservative with meaningful experience.

“Governor Pawlenty is the right man to serve as president,” DeWine said. “As a two-term governor, Pawlenty understands what it takes to be a leader, knows the importance of supporting state and local governments, and has shown time after time a dedication to protecting children and families.

“Throughout Governor Pawlenty’s career, he has a record of fighting for the conservative ideals that he believes in without alienating those who disagree," insisted DeWine. “In a political environment where it is increasingly hard to get things accomplished, Governor Pawlenty brings the right balance of experience, knowhow, and dedication to move America forward.”

DeWine tried to assure conservatives that Pawlenty was with them on two key issues -- opposing the federal health-care laws backed by President Barack Obama and fighting against abortion.

"As attorney general, I’m fighting to repeal Obama health care. Governor Pawlenty understands how to reform health care without unconstitutional mandates,” said DeWine. “I especially respect Governor Pawlenty’s commitment to preserving and protecting the sanctity of life. He is a champion for the most vulnerable among us.”