By Javier Manjarres
Back on March 15th of last year, we laid out a possible Allen West for U.S. Senate candidacy scenario at the same time scores of his supporters were hoping that West would declare what in actuality was an improbable candidacy for President. Soon after our piece ran, West ruled out running for Senate and instead decided to run for re-election in his 22nd congressional district.
But as the saying goes, (insert length of time here) is an eternity in politics. Looking at the current field of Republican senatorial candidates, there is increasing skepticism about all of the candidates- whether it’s their conservative bona fides, their electability, or in some instances, both. Current front-runner Congressman Connie Mack will undoubtedly come under tremendous attack during the primary, but even his biggest asset- his name ID- may not be able to carry him over the finish line against incumbent Senator Bill Nelson. In a recent Sunshine State News poll, Mack has a commanding 40% of the vote, followed by George LeMieux with 8%, but the poll also found that 42% of Floridians are undecided. And while Adam Hasner continues to grow his name brand across the sate, many continue to ask if he is truly gaining traction in this primary race.
Back in March, we opined the following:
Ten months later, West is now facing the possibility that his congressional district will be drawn to include substantially more registered Democrats, putting West’s re-election in real jeopardy. Regardless of how redistricting shakes out, the most important point for conservatives is this- we need Allen West on the political playing field for our cause. He is an extraordinary political talent, the kind that only comes around so often- a fearless, principled defender of conservatism and American exceptionalism.take our poll - story continues belowDo you think the 2nd Amendment will be destroyed by the Biden Administration?(2)
Completing this poll grants you access to Shark Tank updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.West has already proven that he is able to raise the millions needed to win a congressional race, and he could easily do so in a statewide race. Congressman West’s name ID is increasing everyday across the country through plenty of earned media appearances and memorable YouTube ‘performances’. Like Senator Marco Rubio, West has the ‘Tea Party’ and the base of the Republican party already sewn up- in addition to his burgeoning national support. If West were to jump in the Senate race either late this year or early next year, his national exposure would guarantee huge donations from Floridians and from Americans from across the country.
Factor in West’s motivational and inspirational speaking ability, an ability that in my opinion that is indeed “Reagan-like” with a little ‘cadence’, put him in car driving across the state, and you will see a repeat of the 2010 U.S. Senate race- Nelson would not stand a chance.
Speculating further, if West were to run for the Senate, it would leave his Congressional Seat up for grabs, but it would not be in jeopardy. A West run for Senate would open the door wide open for former Florida House Majority Leader Adam Hasner who already has a high name ID within the congressional district from his days as a state legislator serving a district that covers much of West’s Congressional District 22. Congressman West and Hasner have a very good working relationship, and the two would undoubtedly work together to help solidify the congressional seat. Hasner is also a proven fundraiser in the heavily Jewish areas of the district and has the support of grassroots leaders including popular radio show host Joyce Kaufmann. And one last tidbit, let’s not forget that both men will receive the support of sitting Senator Marco Rubio- Rubio and Hasner have shared a close relationship since their days together in the Florida House of Representatives.-Shark Tank (3/15/11)
While we heartily applaud his commitment to his constituents as well as his tenacity that very much wants to defend his congressional seat, he may very well be placed in an untenable electoral position by Florida legislators that is completely out of his control. Conservatives that are fully invested in growing our movement will no doubt find this set of circumstances unacceptable, as he is one of a select few in Congress who has attained such a level of trust and respect among his dedicated supporters.
Given West’s importance in the conservative movement and his substantial national following, we respectfully urge Congressman West to seriously reconsider a U.S. Senate bid. We simply can’t afford to have a leader of his caliber taken off the political map for any period of time at this critical juncture. Conservatives need to actively protect his turf and promote his political ascendancy- preferably within electoral politics rather than in an appointment position.
The upside of an Allen West Senate bid is obvious. If he were to run, he would quickly establish himself as the front runner in the primary, and it would also shift national attention to Florida’s Senate race much in the way Marco Rubio’s run did. West would almost certainly trounce Senator Nelson in the general election, and his candidacy would also reinvigorate conservative turnout in Florida for whomever is at the top of the Presidential ticket come November.
West has until April to reconsider his race for U.S. Senate. Tell us what you think, take the poll.
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