Allen West's Tough Re-Election Race

Rep. Allen West is a hero to some and a hellion to others. The Florida Republican, who has made a name for himself shouting down policies implemented by President Barack Obama and other Democrats, is up for re-election.

The Huffington Post reports that the race's outcome will be a test of the controversial figure's brand of conservatism.

West's Democratic opponent is hammering him for his unwillingness to compromise, saying the intransigence of West and other first-term Republicans has led to gridlock in Washington.

"I speak the truth, and I think that's what a lot of people are upset about," West said in a recent interview.

A Tea Party darling, West has amassed one of the largest campaign war chests among House Republicans. Only House Speaker John Boehner and former Republican presidential candidate Michelle Bachman have raised more money.

So far in this election cycle he has collected more than $15 million -- an extraordinary sum for a congressman with little seniority -- boosted by substantial direct-mail and Internet appeals to grassroots Republican supporters. In the third quarter alone, he raised $4 million, according to his campaign.

Read more at the Huffington Post.

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