West announces $2.2M second-quarter fundraising haul

Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.), among the most visible and vocal members of 2010's Tea Party freshman class, announced that he raised $2.2 million in second-quarter fundraising.

West has now raised just under $10 million for the cycle — a huge number for a House candidate — and entered July with $3.7 million cash on hand.

"I am once again honored and humbled to have so many Floridians and Americans standing with me and putting their hard-earned dollars behind our campaign — $10, $15 and $20 at a time," West said in a statement. "The overwhelming grassroots financial support from the people of Florida's 18th congressional district and Americans across our great nation is a testament to their commitment to ending the irresponsible and dangerous policies threatening the American Dream."

West will be able to use the money, as redistricting forced the Florida lawmaker into a new, Democratic-leaning district. Challenger Patrick Murphy has remained within striking distance in recent polls, although West is still favored to retain a seat in Congress.

West's huge fundraising haul — which rivals or bests well-funded Senate candidates, in some instances — is likely the byproduct of his national following. A regular on the talk-show circuit, West regularly makes headlines and generates controversy.

Just this week, West raised eyebrows when he compared Social Security's disability insurance to a form of "21st-century slavery." West has used slavery rhetoric repeatedly to describe government programs; in June, he accused President Obama of wanting American voters “to be his slave and be economically dependent on him.”

That fiery rhetoric has made him a popular figure in Tea Party circles. At an event Monday in Colorado, a supporter at a town hall meeting told Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney that West would "be a great vice president. He's a fighter, and that's what we want."

“All suggestions are welcome," Romney replied.

---