Allen West plays a darn good game of chess

Politics is a chess game.

Having a winning campaign strategy means not just planning your next move, but anticipating what your opponent's moves will be in response. The more accurately you can predict - or, better yet, influence - your opponent's actions, the more likely you are to win.

I don't know if Allen West plays chess in real life, but he's running his reelection campaign like a Grandmaster.

Allen West calls Obama a "lamb standing before lions"

I've made no secret of my admiration for Florida Congressman Allen West, and his tough, no-nonsense way of speaking...

...and West has made no secret of his disapproval of President Obama's foreign policy strategies.

In a Facebook post this afternoon, West posted a blistering critique in response to Obama's visit to Fort Bliss earlier today:

BREAKING: Allen West endorses Sandy Adams

"I fully endorse Sandy Adams...she represents a new generation of Republican
Conservatives who have come to the Halls of Congress to find solutions..."

Sandy Adams locked in another powerful endorsement for her reelection campaign today from one of her fellow freshmen members of Congress, Allen West.

Morning Coffee Reading for April 17, 2012 (Yep, I'm Still Here)

OK, I have been a ridiculous slacker in posting here for the past two weeks. No, the blog isn't going away (as much as a few chuckleheads out there might wish that it might), I've just needed a little time to take care that whole "pack up my entire house, spend three and a half days driving to Massachusetts, and hit the ground running with a new campaign" thing.

Adam Hasner running for Congress; gets Allen West's endorsement

Adam Hasner announced today that he was shifting his Senate campaign to run for Congressional District 22, and the announcement included an immediate endorsement from Allen West. In an elegant game of dominoes, Congressman Tom Rooney will run in a new congressional district that includes parts of Martin and Charlotte County, and Allen West will run in Rooney's current district. 

No, there isn't a Romney Conspiracy against Allen West

There's a quote oft attributed to Mark Twain, "A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes."

In the past few days, we could say that a lie can travel across twitter the same way.

Florida Bloggers in the News

Lots of exciting developments for some of your conservative Floridian bloggers...

Reactions to the Super Committee Super Fail

File this under "News that Surprised Very Few People:" Turns out that Joint Deficit Reduction Committee, aka the "Super Committee," wasn't so super after all, and officially announcing today that they had failed to reach a deal.

RT @KatiePavlich: pretty sure the new word is for #fail is going to be #superMon Nov 21 12:57:47 via Twitter for iPhoneMichelle Malkin
michellemalkin

And, file this under "News that Surprised Absolutely No One:" Obama gave a prime time press conference in which he blamed the Republicans, demanded that people "pay their fair share" several times, blamed the Republicans, claimed that the failure to reach a deal jeopardized health care for the poor and medical research, blamed the Republicans, called for tax increases, blamed the Republicans, and oh, yeah, blamed the Republicans. 

Dramatic Chipmunk is shocked
that Obama blames the GOP.

Our president seems to lack the ability to give a press conference when things don't go his way without sounding like a petulant child.


I'm waiting for someone to make a mashup YouTube video with Obama press conferences and a toddler having a temper tantrum. Or maybe a remix of "Blame Canada!" from the South Park movie as "Blame Republicans!" Seriously, feel free to take these ideas, they're beyond my tech abilities, but just give me credit! (And a linkback, of course.)


Anyway, here's some reactions to the Super Committee Super Fail today from Marco Rubio, Adam Hasner, Newt Gingrich, and around the conservative blogosphere:

Allen West is Laughing All The Way to the Bank

A million dollar $1.9 million smile.

Awwww. Poor, poor Democrats.

Literally...

As the Crowley Political Report notes, Republican Congressman Allen West raised an astonishing $1.9 million during the last financial quarter, far outpacing his two Democrat rivals:

Crowley Political Report | Allen West piles up the cash; should Democrats just surrender now?

Allen West's Weekly Video Address

Congressman Allen West has started releasing weekly video addresses. Here's the latest edition, in which West critiques Obama's so-called "jobs" bill and discusses a variety of topics including the economy, the NLRB vs. Boeing dispute, the upcoming vote at the United Nations regarding Palestine, and his support for Israel:


YouTube | AllenWestFL | West's Weekly Video Address 9/16/2011

You can help Allen West's reelection campaign for only the cost of a postage stamp, by signing a petition to put West on the ballot (link here). Until redistricting is complete, a registered voter anywhere in Florida can sign a petition for a Congressional or state legislative candidate.

More thoughts on the day

I've been spending the day like many of you probably have - quietly reading articles and blog posts online and watching the news coverage. As I posted earlier this morning, it seems surreal that it's been a decade since that awful day that changed America forever.

I thought I'd share with you some of what I've been reading and watching today:

Morning Coffee Reading for September 5, 2011

Here's your morning coffee reading for today:

• Surprise, surprise. The Heritage Foundation has finished their annual "Score Card" of Congress, and Marco Rubio scores very well, and Bill Nelson, eh, not so much (yet another reason why we should replace Nelson with someone who would work better with Rubio):

Red County | Dr. Richard Swier | The Score Cards are In: Senator Marco Rubio 93% and Senator Bill Nelson 10%

• The St. Pete Times nails it in their selection of Winner (RPOF Chairman David Bitner) and Loser (George LeMieux) of the Week:

St. Petersburg Times | The Buzz | Winner and Loser of the Week in Fla politics

Thank you @DaveBitner for your service to the GOP- your courage to serve the cause while battling an illness is an inspiration to us all.Wed Aug 31 21:17:51 via EchofonReince Priebus
ReincePriebus

Allen West is running for Congress. Period.

Breaking news this afternoon: Allen West is running for Congress. He will run for re-election for his Congressional seat instead of jumping into the Senate race.

POLITICO | David Catanese | Allen West shuts door on Senate race

He left the door cracked open, but on Monday slammed it shut.

Florida Rep. Allen West said he'll run for his 22nd Congressional District seat next year, closing the door on a race for U.S. Senate even months before the redistricting process is complete.

"I will not seek the Republican nomination for the United States Senate in 2012. With regard to my future, the only goal I have is to do my very best to represent the constituents of the Congressional District and to restore the exceptionalism of our nation," West said in a statement.

"Crazy" Allen West

Allen West, never one to shy from a challenge, sent out an email to his supporters today with the subject line "CRAZY:"

Some of my opponents have taken to using that word to describe me. I guess in their world it's "crazy" to want to defend the Constitution and call it like I see it. In short, they think principles of fiscal responsibility and restraint are "crazy!"

Well, here's something that's really crazy: the President and the Democrats' lack of a plan to stop the country from defaulting on its debts.

It's simple. Speaker John Boehner has put together a plan which will reduce spending and at the same time allow us to keep running the country.

No reasonable alternative sits before us. And to this day, President Barack Obama hasn't put even an outline of a plan on paper.

It has been more than 816 days since the Senate Democrats have even voted on a budget for our nation -- which is required by the U.S. Constitution.

Now that's crazy!

We need to get behind Speaker Boehner's plan. We simply can't put politics above doing what is right for the country. And in the meantime, we will continue to hold President Obama and the Senate Democrats accountable for all they have done to get us here.

There are two things you can do right now.

First, make a special contribution of $15, $25, $35, or even more right now to help me continue to fight for conservative principles. It's critical we have strong, outspoken voices in Washington, DC especially now.

Second, let’s turn the tables on President Obama and call him at 202-456-1414 and tell the White House you think he needs come to the table on this crisis which faces every American man, woman and child.

President Obama has spent more time pointing fingers and blaming Republicans than solving the problem. But I think the American People see through that. And I think in the end, he and the Senate Democrats will pay the price at the ballot box next November.

I appreciate all you have done for the campaign and the kind words I have heard from you over the last few weeks. If you are able I hope you will consider a contribution of $15, $25, $35 or more to help me keep fighting for all of us "CRAZY" people who care about the future of our country.

Thank you again.

Steadfast and Loyal,

LTC(R) Allen B. West
Member of Congress

P.S. It's never crazy to stand up for your beliefs and fight for what's right. The debate going on in Washington right now just shows you how far President Obama and Democrats will go to demonize conservatives. Help me fight back by making a gift of $15, $25, $35 or even more right now. Thanks again.

Allen West: "Not a chance" he'll apologize to DWS

Here's Congressman Allen West discussing some of the background behind his ongoing war-of-words with Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and stating that he has no intention of apologizing to her or backing down:


YouTube | Rep. Allen West: "Not a Chance" I'll Apologize

Personally, I don't blame Congressman West. I've written about Debbie Wasserman Schultz before, and graciousness and collegiality are two qualities that she has never been able to develop.

West's dispute with DWS goes far beyond the current debt ceiling debate. DWS and her cronies have repeatedly tossed personal attacks and flat-out lies at West, starting during last year's midterm elections.

The Shark Tank has a good write up on a particularly nasty little stunt DWS pulled last October at West's campaign headquarters:

The Shark Tank | Wasserman-Schultz's Very Own 'Tea Party' Started This Fire (VIDEO)

The Democrats are targeting Allen West's district for 2012. Why don't you check out his website at AllenWestForCongress.com and give him a few bucks to help his reelection effort?

Stuff You Should Be Reading: Florida politicians on Red County

Congressman Allen West and Senate candidate Adam Hasner have been posting on a variety of topics on the conservative blog Red County. (Note: I am also a Red County contributor.)

Here are their latest posts:

Red County | Allen West | Poll Numbers Dictating Obama's Afghan Policy

Red County | Adam Hasner | Game Time: Tackling Energy Independence

You can view all Red County posts by Adam Hasner here, Allen West's posts here, and my posts here.

Allen West: Florida Legislature "missed the boat" on E-Verify

Congressman Allen West, at a recent townhall meeting in Davie, had some harsh words for the Florida Legislature and its failure to pass an E-Verify law during this year's session.

Echoing his previous statements of disappointment in the Legislature's failure to pass this important legislation, West said that they had "missed the boat," and placed blame on both parties, stating:

One side wants to have new class of voters. The other side wants cheap labor for their buddies.

West is absolutely right. That is exactly what happened. The Democrats want open borders because they believe they will get most of the votes from new immigrants, and certain Republicans have ties to agriculture [cough...cough...JD Alexander] or business interests [cough...cough...Haridopolos] that would prefer less-strict enforcement procedures.

Here's the video:


YouTube | TheSharkTank1 | Allen West - E-Verify Needed

Allen West "Disappointed" in Senate's Failure to Pass E-Verify

Javier Manjarres, CPAC 2011 Blogger of the Year and Editor of The Shark Tank, interviewed Congressman Allen West after a recent town hall meeting and discussed the Florida Legislature's failure to include an E-Verify measure in this year's immigration bill.

West joined Rick Scott and many other Floridians in being disappointed in the failure of the Legislature to pass the tough immigration reform that was promised at the start of session.

Among other politicos that have expressed concern and disappointment of this failed measure is Congressman Allen West. West has long been a supporter of ‘legal immigration’, [supports the] movement to secure the nation’s borders, has expressed his concerns over the threat of illegal immigration and the criminal element that comes with this threat.

At his townhall meeting in Pompano Beach, Florida, West expressed to the 200+ attendees that he felt that the Legislature let down Floridians, and later lamented on this very issue after the townhall ended...

YouTube | Thesharktank1 | Allen West Disappointed in Florida E-Verify Debacle

Let's be clear about what happened with the immigration bill. 

By "legislature" he really means "Florida Senate." RT @THESHARKTANK
Allen West Disappointed in FL Legislature E-Verify http://bit.ly/imJhBSWed May 18 01:13:53 via webAlberto Martinez
albertemartinez

Senate President Mike Haridopolos promised E-Verify would be a part of the bill at the beginning of session, the House's version of the bill included E-Verify. but the Senate was unable to get their act together. The blame for the failure of this important immigration reform lies with the Senate, and nowhere else.

He ain't the only one. RT @THESHARKTANK1: Allen West Disappointed in FL Legislature over E-Verify http://bit.ly/imJhBS #sayfieWed May 18 00:47:12 via ÜberSocialSarah Rumpf
rumpfshaker

Congressman West, I share your disappointment that E-Verify failed this year. It's sad and pathetic that so many promises were made and now we're left with, well,  nothing but more promises about what the Senate plans to pass "next year."

Yeah. I'll believe it when I see it. Fool me once...

[Cross-posted at RedCounty]

Allen West should have his own TV channel

Here's Congressman/Rock Star Allen West on Greta Van Susteren's On the Record show last night:

On The Record w Greta VanSusteren - FoxNews.com

West has some harsh words for President Obama, saying he displays "Third World dictator-like arrogance," calling the former community organizer nothing more than a "low-level socialist agitator," pointing out that the White House is occupied by someone who has never even run a lemonade stand, etc. West also decries the "election cycle American Idol" that helped Obama get elected.

The best part is how West looks directly in the camera and calmly delivers each word (without a TelePrompter, ha!).

My digital cable TV system shows over 1,000 channels. There really ought to be a Allen-West-All-The-Time channel.

ICYMI, my last post on Allen West (with more video evidence of why there really should be a Allen West channel):

Sunshine State Sarah | Allen West = Awesome

[Cross-posted at The Minority Report]

Looks Like a Duck, Part I: Charlie Crist donating to Democrats

We all know the old saying...If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it's probably a duck!

This might be a duck.

And that brings us to Charlie Crist...

Post on Politics | Former Gov. Crist gives $1,000 to Democrat seeking Allen West seat

Former Republican-turned-independent Gov. Charlie Crist gave $1,000 to the congressional campaign of Patrick Murphy, one of the Democrats who has opened a campaign for the seat of U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Plantation....

Yep. On March 30th, our Oompa-Loompa Republican-turned-backstabber flake of a former governor donated money to the guy running against Allen West.

Charlie's now made the full transition from Republican, to Republican-In-Name-Only, to Democrat-In-Everything-But-Name. It's about time he started being honest with everyone, and just admitted he's a Democrat. 

Looks like a Democrat, talks like a Democrat, governed like a Democrat...yeah...

Note: this post is labeled "Looks Like a Duck, Part I"...and, yes, there is a Part II coming.

[Cross-posted at The Minority Report and Red County]