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FReepathon Day 59
Posted on 11/28/2012 3:25:16 PM PST by smoothsailing
November 26, 2012
By George Bennett
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
STUART — A defeated but upbeat U.S. Rep. Allen West told hundreds of supporters that he’ll continue to be a “voice” in politics during a gathering Monday night.
West, a tea party favorite whose fiery rhetoric brought him national followers and critics, lost by less than 1 percent to Democrat Patrick Murphy in a bitter, expensive race for the Palm Beach-Treasure Coast House District 18 seat.
With irregularities in St. Lucie County’s vote count leading to partial recounts and court challenges, West didn’t concede the race until last week.
Between 200 and 300 West supporters crowded into his campaign headquarters Monday for barbecue and thanks from the one-term congressman. In classic West fashion, the retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel’s remarks included references to three military battles (Chosin Reservoir in 1950, the Battle of the Bulge in 1944 and the Battle of Trenton in 1776) and a quote from Thomas Paine.
“Leaders don’t need a title to be able to lead. They can continue to stand up for the principles and values that make this the longest-running constitutional republic that the world has ever known. So you will not see my voice disappearing,” West, R-Palm Beach Gardens, said, drawing loud applause.
He read Paine’s “These are the times that try men’s souls” quote and professed his faith in America.
“We will overcome this fiscal crisis. We will overcome this energy independence crisis. We will defeat the enemies that want to destroy us and our best ally in the world that is Israel. We will be triumphant. The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph will be,” West said.
“So don’t come here tonight crying over your barbecue. Come here tonight and understand that at this place at this time there will be an awakening that will go forth all across the United States of America and you can tell your children that on the 26th of November 2012 that you stood here right where it began.”
Cindy Lucas of the Martin 912 Tea Party Committee encouraged the group to be ready to “help Allen if he wants to run again — and we’re all crossing our fingers.”
The crowd applauded and West smiled.
State Rep. Gayle Harrell, who ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2008, said she’s received “lots of phone calls” about running in 2014 but suggested she and other Republicans would step aside if West decided to run.
“Allen West is the man of the hour,” said Harrell, R-Stuart.
Several West loyalists said they’d like to see the congressman challenge Murphy in two years, but Julia Webster of Stuart had even higher hopes.
“The guy as far as I’m concerned is the perfect candidate,” Webster said. “I would push him for president. Really.”
Prior to Nov. 6, 2012....I would have politely disagreed with you, probably bowing to the sovereignty of the two reigning parties that have unimaginable might (read: $$$, history).
Now..........I'm 100% with you. I'd vote for that ticket, third party, in a heartbeat. Screw the GOP. They've lost me.
not going to happen..we they have control of the voting booths..
We have been having the same dream.
I like the idea! Good for Jack Kelly.
Sheldon Adelson is a big fan of Col. West and has been a big contributor.
“Constitutional”? Just curious ‘Wolf, what are your thoughts on the Nazi Germany style, anti-American constitution, NDAA bill (Indefinite arrest/detention of American citizens here at home by our own military for any ‘terrorist’ type reasons the Feds come up with, no trial, no attorney, no due process, indefinitely) that was passed by our fearless leaders in DC?
I hope he stays in the fray because it’s about to get ugly in this country and we’re going to need leaders like LTC Allen West. We’re with you sir!
I concur!
More to the point, it shuts off the gravy train spigot for them, too. They've come to enjoy the inside-the-beltway perks.
Let’s pray they still have faith in him.
They should. They’re patriots!
With you, 100%
Allen West should move to my county; he would certainly be welcomed here and would fit right in with the conservatives in Marion County.
I SECOND that emotion!!!!!
Did Allen West, at one time, say something negative about Sarah Palin?
(I have this thing stuck in the back of my head that he did, I just want to remove it if he didn’t because that’s the only thing I have against him.)
“My better half would serve me papers as I work my @$$ off to make it happen when they say “go”..”
I’ll go you one better - my better half will JOIN me, and we will both work our asses off to make it happen!!!
Really going to miss LTC West giving the establishment a piece of his mind. I always enjoyed knowing that they were all popping Tums whenever he came out against what they wanted to vote for. Hope and Pray to see him back soon.
With you, 100%
Bump!
‘..the GOP. They’ve lost me...’
Ditto.
God know; Repubs need fearless voices; and men of courage.
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