Rep. Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, the chairman of the House Redistricting Committee, is rejecting comments making the rounds that he is leading efforts to drive U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Plantation, from office.
There are rumors that the Florida Legislature has targeted Congressman Allen West. This is patently false, Weatherford stated in a Facebook posting. I personally have supported and endorsed Allen West. I will continue to support this extraordinary member of Congress who has brought a much-needed conservative voice to Washington, D.C.
On Monday, Rush Limbaugh stated on his radio show that Florida Republicans are trying to -- in redistricting --write it so that Allen West has no district, and the Republican establishment, whether it includes Romney or not, is behind it.
The House redistricting proposal goes before the full House on Thursday.
Under the proposed congressional district lines drawn by the House, seats held by West and Rep. Steve Southerland, R-Panama City, may be considered more competitive.
Meanwhile, the redistricting lines for the state House could pit at least 38 of the 120 sitting House members into races with a colleague.
The Senate, which has already approved its maps, is expected to quickly approve the House proposals.
The Florida Supreme Court would then have 30 days to review the maps before they are presented to the governor.
Weatherfords full comment:
Statement Regarding Redistricting and Congressman Allen West
As the House Chairman of Redistricting, I have the responsibility to ensure there is a fair, open, and legally compliant process. The newly approved constitutional amendments, passed by more than 60 percent of Florida voters, require the Legislature to follow a set of standards. This is the first time the Legislature has been required to follow these legal standards.
These new standards have resulted in disrupting the current districts for incumbents. The Tampa Bay Times stated that the House, Senate, and congressional maps represent 'a record-breaking shake-up in incumbency.' It has been reported that at least 38 members of the Florida Legislature do not currently live in their district.
There are rumors that the Florida Legislature has targeted Congressman Allen West. This is patently false. I personally have supported and endorsed Allen West. I will continue to support this extraordinary member of Congress who has brought a much-needed conservative voice to Washington, D.C.
However, my personal support cannot and will not trump the Constitution.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
