Democratic congressional candidate Randy Perkins and the DCCC are trying to paint retired Army veteran and Republican congressional candidate Brian Mast as an”extremist.”

Perkins has tied Mast to both conservative radio show host Mark Levin and former Congressman Allen West, in hopes that he can repeat Democratic Rep. Patrick Murphy’s success in 2012.

Back in 2012,  Democrats and Murphy effectively labeled West as extreme, narrowly beating  the former Army Lt. Colonel by the slimmest of margins.

West, who garnered massive national name identification with his larger than life persona and grandiose speeches about American expectionalism, campaigned on his past service in the U.S. Military. West’s sometimes fiery speeches fueled those “extremist” claims.

Having military service is a big plus when running for elected office, especially when you are running the the  U.S. Congress.

Perkins did not serve in the military, Mast did.

There is nothing wrong about not serving in the Armed Forces, but it would sure help you along if you were running for Congress in a district that is densely populated with veterans.

While Mast is no Allen West on the stump he doesn’t have to be.

Mast just has to walk in a room, or on some stage, and he captures the moment.

How so?

Mast’s advantage over Perkins is the fact that he is missing his legs. Losing both of his legs in an IED blast while serving in Afghanistan, and has been able to campaign without exploiting his injury.

Here is Mast latest campaign video where talks about his past service.

“As a soldier in Afghanistan, I fought for every single one of you. I never cared about race, color or if you were a Democrat or Republican and that’s the same way I’ll fight for you in Congress”