West transfers campaign funds to newly launched nonprofit

Former Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.), defeated after engaging in one of the nation's most expensive House races, has transferred $500,000 in unspent campaign funds to two mysterious groups listed with the same contact information.

West transferred $250,000 each to The Allen West Foundation and American Legacy Guardians, both of which are listed at the same Florida post office box number.

A press release from the Allen West Foundation announced its creation late Thursday night.

"In full accordance with federal regulations, The Allen West Foundation has been established as a non-profit, charitable organization. Further details as to the mission and activities of the Foundation will be released in the coming weeks," the announcement read.

West's spokeswoman, Michele Hickford, declined to offer further details when asked.

The former lawmaker had about $1.5 million left in his campaign coffers after his unsuccessful reelection bid, over the course of which he raised $19 million, making him one of the most formidable House fundraisers in the nation.

Though he said recently he has no plans to run for his old seat in 2014, West has by no means disappeared from the public eye. He's launched a media network, Next Generation, and has appeared frequently on television and radio.

---