Allen West on redistricting: "No one's gonna lay a trap for me"

By: Sharyl Attkisson, Christine Delargy
Topics: Hotsheet Live

Tea Party-linked GOP Rep. Allen West (R-FL) is taking the possibility that the Republican establishment wants him out of office -- as suggested by a number of conservative bloggers -- in stride.

In an interview Thursday, West discussed CBS News Correspondent Sharyl Attkisson the newly-drawn political map in Florida that made his own district more competitive -- a map drawn by the GOP-controlled Florida legislature. West announced earlier this week that he will seek re-election in a new district to increase his odds of victory.

"No one's gonna lay a trap for me," he said.

Check out CBSNews.com's interview with West at left, in which he also offers his thoughts on Mitt Romney's big win in Florida and other topics.

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by nearl451 February 2, 2012 11:12 PM EST: Having listened to the man rant, I can only think his own paranoia is driving this issue. He certainly acts a bit threatened and unhinged.; Reply to this comment

by RobAla February 2, 2012 8:50 PM EST

If the Republican establishment wants him out, it would not be because of his skin color - it would be because his conservative positions happen to threaten their cushy club. Reagan was an outsider, that won despite the Republican establishment. Gingrich is experiencing the trashing of the Republican establishment. Anyone who proposed a real shake up of Washington, can become an enemy of those enjoying the established power in that town.

The Republican establishment does not like the Tea Party, because they have no control of the Tea Party. If this man is heavily involved with a grass roots organization that can not be controlled by the established power in Washington, they are not going to be his friend.

I like Allen West. He calls it as he sees it, and he does not seem to play the stupid games. I hope he hangs tight, and pushes right back in their faces. I hope the people in his district stand with him. Regardless of party, each party has an establishment. Those in power don't like being rattled, they wan to do the rattling.

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by nearl451 February 2, 2012 11:15 PM EST: He seems like he's about to lose control everytime he talks. I would think you would support a little more stability.


by obwan222 February 2, 2012 8:32 PM EST: gep1955: "Allen West... thats why the left can't stand him."

You need a little help with your reading comprehension. The whole point of the article is that the GOP has the knives out for a black Congressman of their own.

"Tea Party-linked GOP Rep. Allen West (R-FL) is taking the possibility that the Republican establishment wants him out of office -- as suggested by a number of conservative bloggers -- in stride.

"In an interview Thursday, West discussed CBS News Correspondent Sharyl Attkisson the newly-drawn political map in Florida... a map drawn by the GOP-controlled Florida legislature."

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Try reading it again and see if you understand that the challenge he faces isn't from the left but from the establishment of his own party.; Reply to this comment


by carolo43 February 2, 2012 8:17 PM EST: This dude is nearly as whacky as Joe Wilson. He takes being a radical to even a higher level.; Reply to this comment

by gep1955 February 2, 2012 6:00 PM EST

Allen West is a true patriot. He speaks the truth and thats why the left can't stand him. He and America succeed with the truth, the left and America fail with their lies.

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by BlameRepublicanz February 3, 2012 8:33 AM EST: so saying 30% of America should "get the hell out" is patriotism now? If you support Allen West, you support hate speech in Congress over getting things done.