newjerseynewsroom.com

BY ANDREW LAGOMARSINO

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

House Republican Allen West (R-Fl.) likes to stir things up.

The freshman Republican is an outspoken conservative and Tea party favorite and a longtime critic of the Democratic Party.

West has fired salvos at President Obama, saying the President was “scared” to meet with him.

Now West’s critics are saying he’s losing his mind because West said "he's heard" up to 80 U.S. House Democrats are Communist Party members, but wouldn't name names.

Comment from Angela Melvin, spokeswoman for Rep. West (R-FL): “The Congressman was referring to the 76 members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. The Communist Party has publicly referred to the Progressive Caucus as its allies. The Progressive Caucus speaks for itself. These individuals certainly aren't proponents of free markets or individual economic freedom.”

The following is a statement by Rod Smith, Chairman of the Florida Democratic Party, addressed to Lenny Curry, Chairman Republican Party of Florida, as reported in the Miami Herald:

“On behalf of the Florida Democratic Party I request that the RPOF immediately condemn Congressman Allen West’s egregious allegations that “78-81” Democratic Representatives in Congress are “communists” and demand an apology from Congressman West. Each of us understands the hyperbole that surfaces during every political season. It is a long-standing practice in American politics. But there are and must be lines. To suggest that elected Democrats share political views with Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong or other communist dictators who murdered their people and suppressed the freedom of hundreds of millions for generations recalls the shameful practice of Joseph McCarthy. I am sure you proudly recall that it was a Republican Senator, Margaret Chase Smith, whose statement of conscience publically admonished

McCarthy’s tactics of accusing unnamed persons of being 'card carrying communists.'

While our parties have marked political differences and separate visions for this State and Nation each of us must remember that both Democrats and Republicans shed their blood fighting for freedom. Both parties have a proud tradition of opposing fascism and communism no matter the cost. While Congressman West has clearly forgotten that lesson, I trust your party has not. Your silence will be read as acquiescence.

I look forward to your reply, and request that Congressman West apologize to our nation for his dangerous, inflammatory remarks.”