Another Florida Star, Cap and Trade firing up the base!

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! I wanted to blog today about another rising star in our party, once again out of South Florida. Allen West is a retired United States Army Colonel and a relatively young, and very likable guy, at least in my opinion. He's a Republican and he's running for Ron Klein's congressional seat in FL-22, which covers parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties. I happen to be a part time resident of this district, as I proudly live part time in Coral Springs, Florida (a fantastic community, and a fantastic place to live). Allen came close last time against Ron Klein, grabbing 45 percent of the vote in an unusually strong year for Democrats in Florida. With your help, we can get Allen into Congress, and hopefully, with a strong Senate candidate either way (Crist or Rubio), and Bill McCollum running for governor, we can also benefit from the coattails of what I feel will be a very strong ticket for Republicans in the Sunshine State.

To run down some of Allen's fantastic accomplishments:

From Wikipedia:

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (two Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (two Oak Leaf Clusters, one Valor Device), Army Achievement Medal (one Oak Leaf Cluster), Valorous Unit Award, Air Assault Badge and the Parachutist Badge.

In addition, West has been awarded the following service medals and ribbons: National Defense Service Medal (with bronze star device), Southwest Asia Service Medal , Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon (multiple awards), Saudi Arabia Kuwait Liberation Medal W/Palm Tree and Kuwait Liberation Medal

That is some serious dedication to one's country, and it certainly qualifies someone for Congress. In addition, he's served as a civilian adviser to the Afghan Army, and previously taught high school students. The GOP needs more moderate, mass appeal, and dedicated candidates like Allen West to run for Congress in 2010.



Also, cap and trade continues to rile up the conservative base of our party on the internet and at tea parties nationwide. Many of have targeted Mark Kirk of Illinois, but I warn them, it is better to have someone who votes with us 80 percent of the time than 0 percent of the time. Kirk represents a district that leans Democratic, and so do several of the other 7 who voted yes. Please, direct your efforts to the 200 plus Democrats who voted yes, many of whom represent swing, Republican leaning districts such as Rep. Michael McMahon of New York.

-Joe