Will Congressman Allen West Run For Senate?

According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Congressman Allen West (R-FL) told reporters that he would be willing to speak with individuals who want him to run for the U.S. Senate. While he had previously indicated that he would not seek higher political office, and would instead focus on winning reelection to congress, he now seems to be more open to the idea.

"For whatever reason there are people here in the state of Florida that see me as a political entity and they are very trustworthy within the Republican Party structure, I should sit down and talk to them," he said. "But I don't think people are really going to be able to move me."

His comments are a reversal of what he said one week ago in an interview. In an Aug. 9 interview with Sun Sentinel reporters and editors he gave a definitive "no" when asked if there was "any chance" he'd run for the Senate instead of seeking re-election.

"If people want to talk to me about something like that it would be very disrespectful and rude for me to slam the door in their face," West said before he spoke to a Palm Beach CountyTea Party meeting in Palm Beach Gardens. "People have an opportunity to talk to me, but my intentions are very simple, to run as a congressional representative."

He wouldn't disclose who's pushing the idea or what meetings he's had or will have on the subject.

He said he'll make an announcement soon because he thinks the window of opportunity "will close very soon."