The conservative Republican Congressman is definitely known for regularly dropping provocative comments, which both sides are using to political advantage. From the Palm Beach Post: "[Democratic challenger Patrick Murphy says West is 'exactly what’s wrong with Congress: creating
gridlock, not working together....‘My way or the highway’ does not work
in politics, nor should it. Your job is to represent everyone in your
district.'"
However, Rep. West is one of Congress's most successful fundraisers because supporters love his blunt criticism of Democrats and liberals: "When author Robert Draper wrote a book this year about
the Republican-led House, he made freshman West one of the leading
characters. West’s background as an inner-city Atlanta native and Army
combat veteran who became a tea party icon and one of only two black
Republicans in Congress made for 'pretty irresistible narrative
material,' Draper said. And Draper said he was drawn by West’s blunt-spokenness. 'He’s
made a lot of statements that are offensive to liberals, but he’s never
been shy to offend his own Republican leadership as well,' Draper said. 'More than anything else, he’s been willing to stand behind what he
says — for better or worse, without walking back or equivocating.'"
What does Rep. West think about his rhetoric?: "As
West seeks reelection against Murphy in one of the nation’s most
competitive and expensive House races, he is embracing his image as a
rhetorical boat-rocker. 'Some say I push too hard. That I ask too
much. My response – I’m just getting started. That’s the American way,'
West declared in his first 2012 TV ad.....You look at
who I am and what I represent, I don’t think the other side wants a
young man, raised in the inner city, a veteran of the military, to be a
strong conservative voice,' said the 51-year-old West. 'I’m bringing out
these points that some people don’t want to be made. They think I need
to be silenced.'"
Allen West’s Rhetoric An Issue In Congressional Race
