Posted on 08/08/2010 3:12:11 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
Reviving the old battle cry "Don't tread on me," Republican congressional candidate Allen West has raised nearly $3.5 million of campaign cash while firing up Tea Party patriots in South Florida with calls for a second American Revolution.
Since becoming a Tea Party favorite, West has rounded up nearly six times more money than he raised in his 2008 campaign for Congress. The grass-roots movement has helped transform the retired lieutenant colonel into a formidable contender who threatens to unseat incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Ron Klein.
West — along with Senate candidate Marco Rubio and other Republicans across Florida — are tapping a burst of energy and campaign cash generated by the Tea Party movement in hopes of seizing majority control of Congress.
The movement, a loosely organized anti-government cause that recalls the spirit of the Boston Tea Party, gained momentum last summer through angry demonstrations and heated exchanges with members of Congress. Now it's a major force in the midterm elections.
"The most important thing is: The liberal agenda has to be stopped," West said in an interview last week. "We need 39 or 40 seats to take away the speaker's gavel. At the least, you can slow this train down."
The Aug. 24 party primaries pose the next big test of Tea Party influence in Florida. They will shape several closely contested congressional races and determine whether the Tea Party movement rallies or divides Republicans.
Democrats have responded with a nationwide campaign to convince voters that Republicans and the Tea Party movement have formed an extremist alliance far outside the American mainstream.
"Allen West represents the extreme fringe, regardless of party," said Sarah Rothschild, a campaign spokesman for Klein, who has raised $2.4 million.
(Excerpt) Read more at orlandosentinel.com ...
1. Joe (You lie) Wilson
2. David (Ikept my oath) Hedrick
3. Nick (Gunny pop (or seegar marine) Popaditch
4. Allen (walk thru hell with a gas can) West
5. Sharron (Mama Grizzley) Angle -
YESSSSSS!
You mean:
4. Allen (FIX BAYONETS!) West
“Allen West represents the extreme fringe, regardless of party,” said Sarah Rothschild, a campaign spokesman for Klein, who has raised $2.4 million.
“I don’t see myself as african american or black american. I see myself as American.”
“Institutional racism in the United States of America is over.”
Clearly extreme fringe positions. /s
This guy is absolutely for real. I am donating to him and I hope he wins.
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