“West lost his House seat. You can say he was gerrymandered, but whatever.”
Wasn’t the GOP still in charge of Florida when he was gerrymandered out of his seat. I didn’t watch the Republican convention, but I don’t believe Romney allowed him to speak at the convention. The Republicans turned their back on West first. If he had been allowed to make a speech at the convention, he may have won the new district he had to run in.
I thoroughly enjoy listening to Col. West. He’s a great speaker. He didn’t always vote the way I liked (Pigsford, for instance), but he is genuine.
I think you are right about GOP. Helping to cost his seat. Still, you must overcome. I met a conservativecongressman from IL, Aaron Shock, who as a state rep won his district with 60% even though it was a majority Dem and 40% black district. It can be done.