Representative-elect Allen West (R., Fla.) wants to join the Congressional Black Caucus, though he’s already had some choice words for CBC luminaries like Alcee Hastings, Charlie Rangel, and Maxine Waters (and keep an eye out for the awesome J.C. Watts turn of phrase):
West plans to join the Congressional Black Caucus, which hasn’t had a GOP member since three-term Connecticut Rep. Gary Franks was defeated in 1996. Former Oklahoma Republican Rep. J.C. Watts rejected joining the caucus, calling its members “race-hustling poverty pimps.”
Conservative West, who seldom discussed race in his campaign, is critical of the “failure of the liberal welfare policies in the black community” and says the caucus could use some ideological diversity.
West and the caucus have already crossed paths.
U.S. Rep. and Black Caucus member Alcee Hastings, D-Miramar, enlisted other caucus members to oppose West, bringing U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., to West Palm Beach to stump for Klein.
At a debate last month, after Klein criticized West for being at an event with members of the notorious Outlaws motorcycle club, West noted Klein had campaigned with an “impeached federal judge,” a reference to Hastings’ removal from the federal bench by the Senate in 1989.
And since he said Klein was bringing up “guilt by association,” West brought up ethics investigations of Black Caucus members Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., and Maxine Waters, D-Calif., and the conviction of former caucus member and freezer cash-stasher William Jefferson of Louisiana.
Hastings didn’t return a call asking for his thoughts on West.
Asked how he anticipates getting along with Hastings, West said, “That’s up to him. I can get along with anyone as long as they’re doing the right things for the people of South Florida.”
This should be really fun to watch. More here.