Here Comes Allen West in 2016 | Sunshine State News

May 28, 2013 - 6:00pm

Tea party favorite former Congressman Allen West floated a trial balloon at the end of last week, making believers out of many that he will set his sights on a political comeback in 2016 -- possibly looking toward the White House this time.

Appearing on the Tammy Bruce radio show Friday, the Florida Republican made it clear that he was open to running for office again despite losing to Democrat Patrick Murphy in November.

Well get back into the political scene, but there are so many things I can do right now that can really help us going forward to the midterm elections, West said on air. Its not about me; its about the team, its about our country and thats what Im focused on primarily. So, after the midterm election cycle, well look into getting back into the political framework in 2016. Theres no doubt about it.

Since losing his congressional seat, West -- one of the most prominent African-Americans in the GOP -- has remained politically active, speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and creating a PAC to help Republican candidates across the nation. Earlier in the month, Fox News announced that West would be a contributor to its network.

When Bruce asked him if he had future political ambitions, West didn't even attempt to play it coy.

Oh, absolutely, there's no doubt about that, West replied when asked if he intended to run for office again. I mean, Im not packing up and taking my toys and going away. But its once again something that you have to pray about and make sure God blesses it and you have to talk to the family, but right now they will be very supportive of doing something in that out-year cycle of 2016.

West is a capable fundraiser able to draw on the support of conservatives across the nation. While there has been talk about West challenging Gov. Rick Scott in the 2014 Republican primaries, based on this interview, the former congressman clearly has no interest in jumping in. In closing the door on 2014, West also slammed shut the possibility that he would be Scotts lieutenant governor.

As he plots his political comeback, West has several options. He could always challenge Murphy in a rematch. But he would have to get in line. There are a host of Republicans lining up in 2014 to topple the Democrat incumbent.

Fellow Florida Republican Marco Rubio is up for a second U.S. Senate term in 2016 and that could open some windows for West. Rubio is one of the leading Republican presidential hopefuls. Should he get the nomination, he could run for an open Senate seat. West, who has been critical of Rubios leadership on immigration reform, could offer a conservative challenge to the senator in the primaries, but it would be an extremely uphill battle.

There is one other option that West entertained after his loss in November -- running for the Republican presidential nomination. Speaking to the national media at the end of November, he offered a reminder that Abraham Lincoln only served a single congressional term -- much as he had himself -- before seeking the presidency in 1860.

West would be an extreme underdog to win the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. But he could score some political points and get a larger seat at the Republican table. Certainly the opportunity is there.

While the likes of Alan Keyes, Gary Bauer, Michele Bachmann and Herman Cain did not come close to winning the Republican nomination, they did raise their profiles considerably by running for president. Even West losing his last election might not hurt a presidential bid that much. Despite losing his U.S. Senate seat by a considerable margin in his last election, Rick Santorum still placed second in the 2012 Republican presidential primaries.

There are two Florida Republicans above the former congressman in the pecking order -- Rubio and Jeb Bush -- and neither would take a 2016 West presidential challenge lying down. Nevertheless, West would clearly draw votes and funds from other sources.

As he looks ahead to 2016, West clearly has options. Despite his loss, he intends to have a seat at the table as the Republicans look to turn around their political fortunes during the next two cycles.

Tallahassee political writer Jeff Henderson wrote this analysis exclusively for Sunshine State News.