Martin County Sheriff Bobby Crowder to Challenge Allen West

Submitted by Anonymous on February 14, 2012 - 4:19pm

RINO alert! Martin County Sheriff Bobby Crowder will challenge Rep. Allen West in the GOP primary in the 18th Congressional District.

Figuring to run to West's left, Crowder was among a group of sheriffs who endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink over Republican Rick Scott in 2010.

Crowder will face West in the newly drawn CD 18, encompassing Martin and St. Lucie counties and the northern portion of Palm Beach County.

When Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, announced he was leaving to run in the new CD 17, West said he would move north from Broward County to seek the CD 18 seat on the Treasure Coast.

In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, the 20-year sheriff played up his local roots and took a shot at West:

"I have lived in what is now going to be District 18 for over 52 years and have worked in public service here since 1965. We are a unique part of Florida and must maintain a voice in our nation's Capitol. I will represent this district with a knowledgeable and sincere voice, one who is known and trusted by a majority of people here.

"A hired gun, who does not know the people and challenges of this district, cannot speak for the people of the 18th District with the same passion and conviction as a person who has actually been a rooted and empathetic member of this community." Crowder said.

West's campaign declined to comment.

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