Posted on 05/20/2011 1:11:30 PM PDT by Sub-Driver
Tea Party congressman underwhelmed by current Republican presidential field By Michael O'Brien - 05/20/11 02:45 PM ET
The current crop of Republican presidential candidates is "lukewarm" and unexciting, said Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.), a Tea Party darling.
West, a freshman Republican lawmaker from Florida, badmouthed the 2012 field of GOP hopefuls while noting that he himself would not be seeking the presidency.
"I've got to tell you that no one is really exciting anyone out there right now," West told the conservative website Newsmax in an interview posted late Thursday. "I think by September, October, maybe we'll see a front-runner. But right now, you know, kind of lukewarm."
West said he "couldn't say right now" if he had any favorites, and that his only focus was on seeking reelection to his House seat next fall.
West's words might sound disappointing to someone like former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R), a potential presidential candidate who helped propel West to his congressional nomination with a key endorsement just before the primary.
The political action committees of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) and former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) each eventually endorsed and donated to West, too, but not until later in the process, and much closer to Election Day.
West appeared at an event in Florida earlier this year with Donald Trump, who withdrew from seeking the GOP nomination last week. West credited Trump with setting a faster pace for the other Republican candidates.
"I think that he tried to get people to come out of their comfort zones, but you still have a pretty 'blah' atmosphere out there," West said.
I think he needs to keep his negative opinions to himself. Okay to feel that way, but no reason to broadcast it to the leftist media.
It certainly *is* lukewarm, Col West. It’s downright pitiful.
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Agreed. What was the point of this?
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No kidding?
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/159813-tea-party-favorite-breaks-with-gop-on-healthcare-repeal
Tea Party favorite breaks with GOP on healthcare repeal votes
By Russell Berman - 05/08/11 07:12 AM ET
Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.), who has emerged as an outspoken conservative voice among GOP freshmen, cast a surprising vote last week against a bill to scrap part of the 2010 healthcare overhaul. The legislation would repeal $100 million in funding for the construction of school-based health centers. West was one of just four Republicans to vote against the measure, which passed 235-191.
I was probably one of the few who wasn’t surprised, already knowing that during the campaign he refused to sign on to the Florida Personhood Amendment, and makes rape, incest and health of the mother exceptions on abortion.
From his own website:
“In the case of rape, incest, and “actual” endangerment of a mother’s health the decision truly belongs with a woman.”
http://www.allenwestforcongress.com/blog/west-weekly-wrap-up-w3-report-for-end-of-jan-of-2010
I’m very disappointed.
I’m very sorry to hear this. I became interested in him very recently, and was hopeful, but this is simply unacceptable. What a shame.
I don't see him stepping forward in the political arena, should Palin decide not to run, but you and I both know that he'd be at or near the top, if it comes to CWII.
Wish I had better pictures of that event other than my screen captures.
I think if that if Sarah Palin doesn’t like the field, she will step up and run.
It appears that the weather was uncooperative. :)
I agree with the congressman.
Yep. Patriots in the snow. Gotta love em!
That's been her standard answer for some time now, but I think it's plain to her, that she's the best of the field.
When I first heard her say that, I thought to myself, "Sarah, Reagan isn't coming back. It's up to you now."
And she won’t be. Michelle Bavhman will be the sole woman tea party candidate and that is fine with ne. I know you like Sarah, but she is damaged goods and, frankly, has become annoying.
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