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Firebrand Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., said Tuesday he had conceded in his bid for re-election to Democratic challenger Patrick Murphy.
Fourteen days after Election Day, West, a favorite of Tea Party conservatives who had sought a recount and raised the prospect of inaccuracies in the results, said in a statement that his legal team "does not believe there are enough over-counted, undercounted or fraudulent votes to change the outcome of the election."
"While many questions remain unanswered, today I am announcing that I will take no further action to contest the outcome of this election," West said.
Joe Skipper / Reuters
Republican Rep. Allen West speaks at a campaign stop with guests at SCORE South Palm Beach, a resource partner to the Small Business Administration, in Boca Raton, Fla. Oct. 18, 2012.
Murphy led by about 1,900 votes following a partial recount in the district.
He added a bit later on Fox News: "We're going to move ahead and we wish Congressman-elect Murphy very well, but I think that now is not the time to draw the process out."
West was a lieutenant colonel in the Army, during which time he served in the Iraq war. He successfully ran for Congress in 2010, aided by the Republican headwinds that year in his challenge to Democrat Ron Klein in a swing district. He sought re-election in a slightly more favorable district following the redrawing of congressional district boundaries prompted every decade by the Census.
The victory for Murphy adds to Democrats' pickup in the House, and disarms conservatives of one of their most brash voices in Congress. He, for instance, equated economic dependence upon government — through programs like Social Security — to slavery, and West called Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a fellow Florida lawmaker, "vile" and "not a lady."
West's departure from Capitol Hill also means that that Congress will lose one of its two black Republicans. West and South Carolina Rep. TIm Scott, R, are the only two African American members of the GOP conference; West was the only Republican member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
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Good. One less tea-bagger obstructionist. Here's hoping his replacement is eager to do a little work.
Good riddance bagger.
Good riddance.....
In regard to the person who was wondering about the Koch Brothers, just google their name and it will bring up a long list of what their company makes. It includes the following
Georgia Pacific products, Brawny, Angel Soft, Mardi Gras, Quilted Northern, Stainmaster Carpet, Dixie, Soft and Gentle, Sparkle Invista, Vanity Fair and Zee. Under towels, napkins and soap--Envision, Coronet, SCA, Tork & Fort James. They also make wood products with a long list of brands, textiles, plastics, chemicals, coal and oil, pipelines, fertilizers, equipment. They also own part of the Matador Cattle Company in Texas. The Koch Brothers are among the TOP 10 POLLUTERS in the US and they don't care if they are. The could care less whether they pollute our earth or not. Since I found out what they manufacture, I will never buy any of their products and I would urge everyone out there to do the same. The American people spoke out they don't want these guys to buy our elections!!!
Sorry Allen West. May I suggest you enter the Mayo Clinic and get help for your psychiatric problems and then think of running again?
Addios tea bagger. Now you can get a job on Faux Commentary.
This guy is a big enough nutjob to get his own show at Fox.
And now, the pressure is on for some RINOs. Because of the gerrymandering of 2010, some majority GOP districts are at risk. By cutting up Democratic districts, and put a small part into several other GOP districts, the GOP actually risks losing far MORE seats than they thought. Some of the RINOs know that. We will see how powerful the Republican "party purity" actually is!
Allen West is a true American Hero. He will be missed. "God Bless America" !
What makes him a hero? Because he served in the military? This man obviously has a problem.
hey 5-true American hero????
He was up for a dishonorable discharge.
I guess that makes him a hero in Teapublican eyes.
You baggers are too funny.
The Dinosaur Party Paid Themselves Approximately $ 640 Billion Dollars Since 2003 When Their Head Dinosaur
Bush's Tax Cuts Dished Out His Gifts -- Now All Of Us Real Working Americans Want Some Pay Back -- Fair And
Square Pay Back! That Amount Alone Could Have Created 1,000,000s Of American Jobs, Created New Revenue,
Saved Us Billions In Entitlement Pay Outs And Help Keep "Your" Deficit In Check!
So -- When Can We Expect Our Checks?
The 2014 Mid-Terms Are Going To Be Real Interesting -- A Lot More Dinosaur Party Fossils I'd Say!
Well it's about flippin' time he concedes....I can just see him stamping his feet like a 3 yr old!!
Great...you idiots steal another election and remove an American Hero that fought for the rights that you express on these sites, and replace good leaders with socialist and left wing douche-bags who will work to end these rights. You idiots have no idea what is happening all around you. You deserve what you get.
Wake up CT, West is nuts.
Why is he nuts MO? Obviously you disagree with him...but that's OK to have different ideas, that is our American system. He stands for what he believes. I guess if one is black and a conservative he or she has to be nuts.
Well the people of his district thinks he is nuts and they voted him out. Accusing 80 to 90 democrats of being communist card member = nut job.
CT-4008986. Because he is Black and conservative he or she has to be nuts, I would say so. This conservative strategy started back in the 60' when at least 90 per cent of African Americans were Republicans. The Repubs could not handle losing the south so they adopted a strategy of racial division. They succeeded and I doubt if today you could find more than 2 per cent of African Americans would vote for any Republican, no matter who they were, Black, White, etc.
CT~ Are YOU prepared to explain how "WE" stole an election that was done fairly? You make me laugh.
As for his service in the military, you may not know this:
While serving in Iraq, West received qualified information from an intelligence specialist about a plot to ambush his unit. The alleged plot reportedly involved Yahya Jhodri Hamoodi, a civilian military police officer. West had his men detain Hamoodi. Soldiers testified that in the process of detaining Mr. Hamoodi, he appeared to reach for his weapon and needed to be subdued. Hamoodi was beaten by four soldiers from the 2/20th Field Artillery Battalion on the head and body. West then fired his pistol near Hamoodi's head, after which Hamoodi provided West with names and information, which Hamoodi later described as "meaningless information induced by fear and pain." At least one of these suspects was arrested as a result, but no plans for attacks or weapons were found. West said "At the time I had to base my decision on the intelligence I received. It's possible that I was wrong about Mr. Hamoodi."
West was charged with violating articles 128 (assault) and 134 (general article) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. During a hearing held as part of an Article 32 investigation in November 2003, West stated, "I know the method I used was not right, but I wanted to take care of my soldiers."The charges were ultimately referred to an Article 15 preceding rather than court-martial, at which West was fined $5,000. Lieutenant Colonel West accepted the judgment and retired with full benefits in the summer of 2004. Asked if he would act differently under similar circumstances, West testified, "If it's about the lives of my soldiers at stake, I'd go through hell with a gasoline can." At his hearing, West pointed out that there were no further ambushes against American forces in Taji until he was relieved of his leadership post on October 4.
Hi CT,
Well, in the past I would have agreed with you. During my childhood, lot of family friends, and even my favorite aunt, were Republicans. My aunt even got Richard Nixon to send me a birthday card! During my youth There were probably a few of the extended clan that were closset Regan democrats, and certainly, just after 9/11, even I gave President Bush the benefit of the doubt, and my support (that didn't last long).
But that was back in the day. Political conservative theory may be as valid as ever. But The American Republican party has married this with an intrusive religious and socially "conservative" agenda that has nothing to do with political or economic conservative-ism. Add to this the uncivil way that much of the present GOP presents themselves, and well... Why would a member of any minority join a party that spends so much energy trashing black folks, Hispanic people, LGBT folks, young people, old people, poor people, veterans, women, unemployed folks, people who belong to unions, Emigrants, people who speak more than one language, College types, single parents, anyone who is not Christian, people who live in Chicago, NYC, or any city in California. Forget the minorities, I can't understand why anyone would vote for this party, the present GOP/TeaParty, on principal.
So bluntly, yes I am at the very least curious when I meet or hear of a "Black Republican", or a "Gay Republican", or a "Poor Republican", or to be blunt, a "Black Klansman". There is such a thing as working against your own better interests. I don't deny that people like this exist, I just find it fascinating.
bchredhead,
Thanks for the background info. I've been too busy to search out this story.
A lot of things seem a little clearer now.
I've never served, and I believe that we owe those who have served our respect and thanks.
That said, military or not, some people just aren't cut out for some positions.
Another one bites the dust
What is it about Fl that keeps electing whacko's. Has Fl become the mental institution for American?
Alan West had a hard fought very close race with honor and dignity. There will be more opportunities in the future for a great patriot and American that he is.
God Bless America and our military serving in harm's way.
Do you look at what West says or do you just look and see an R next to his name. The guys a nut plain and simple.
This guy was a disgrace for the state of Florida, I am glad he's gone now.
tizo don't worry, there are still plenty of disgraces in Florida.
When are they going to not allow Florida to vote, that's the question.
Dear Allen West,
Go away....not now, but RIGHT NOW!
It won't be long before West is hired by Faux News as an "analyst". He's perfect for the crazies.
That makes 11 teabaggers that came in to the House after the 2010 election were dumped, with 9 of them replaced by Democrats.
Good riddance baggers.
I see the far left liberals are afraid of a person, Allen West, who is smarter and has more education than they do. All I see are a bunch of stupid liberals who don't want to know the truth and want the government to support them at the expense of those who work for a living, so they can continue to have their hands out for all the free bees, they think this administration will give them. Sorry, Dummcrats, but nothing is free. Rep. Allen West is a true American, can you say that about your president? Have any of you liberals ever served your country, and been in combat, to help other nations have the freedom we use to have? Raving, idiot, who needs a straight jacket, I think you are talking about yourselves.
Patsy. I served for 14 years, first in the Marine Corp and Air Force. From you comments it appears as if you are far removed from reality. Stop repeating talking points, for which you have no knowledge. More liberals work than you nut jobs, and I must say the jobs they have usually are at the top end of the scale. Oh yes I was in combat, what about your self?
Back to the bunker to regroup !
Damn shame, he's a great American....
Let's not be so hard on the Tea Baggers. They're just dumb idiots that's doing their best. Hopefully, West can find employment with that air head Tea Bagger from Alaska. I think she ran for VP at some point in time.
wow..hate much?..
As a black man, I typically root and cheer my people onward. I want my nationality to succeed just as much as others do. Allen West is the exception because he has proved himself to be certifiable, to say the least! I fail to understand though how an equally certifiable nut job with the same core values like Michele Bachmann keeps getting re-elected. However, might I say that both are good for a serious laugh now and again, lol.
I don't know how anyone could run for ANY government seat and be as whacked out as these two and no one notice it before they were elected to serve the public. Allen West had to be a token black for the GOP. He cannot and should never have been taken seriously with his inane comments about the Democratic Party or members of it, being communist simply because they conflict with his 'out there' beliefs about how gov't should be run.
Give this man a lollipop, tell him to pull up his panties, and send him on his merry way. His bacon and eggs were never on the same plate and in some ways he was a bit scary with his backward thinking. I only wish that we could have also sent Michele Bachmann packing right along with this right-wing extremist, nut bag!
Right on...
A black Republican...boy, if that aint an oxymoron, I don't know what is.
The West equivalent (black and TP) lost to an openly bisexual woman in AZ for AZ's 9th House district. in ARIZONA! Land of Jan Brewski, Sheriff Joke, and SB1070!
In fact the GOP-TP lost THREE US house races to dems in AZ alone, and also lost their super majority in the AZ legislature.
Say it ain't so Allan, don't give up, keep fighting it so any American who has not heard/seen you can tell their grandchildren how much of an a-hole you were.