Posted on June 19, 2013

Allen West Threatens To Challenge Marco Rubio In 2016 Primary

LARRY O’CONNOR, HOST: In 2016, Marco Rubio is going to be up for reelection—



FMR. REP. ALLEN WEST (R-FL): Ah, I see where you’re going…



O’CONNOR : There are a lot of disaffected Floridians, I hear them. He rode into town here as the hero of the Tea Party, and really wanted to get back to protecting that Constitution, and getting back to constitutional principles. He came at the same time you did: 2010, right? And you know you both came here with that same spirit. His activity with this immigration reform bill, the fact that he’s on Chuck Schumer’s side of the issue. It’s really leaving people in a strange place with Marco Rubio right now, I think. And I’ve gotta ask: There’s a lot of people whispering that maybe he should be primaried in 2016. What about an Allen West primary challenge for that Senate seat?



WEST: That's a pretty heavy lift, because you're talking about running against a sitting senator, and then, of course, that creates that schism that the other side would love to see happen, because they like to us—



O’CONNOR: Oh, wait a second! They said Rubio would create a schism against Charlie Crist! And that didn’t occur. And you’re an army guy, you like the heavy lift. Now, you’re not saying no…



[silence]



O’CONNOR: So you are not ruling out the idea?



WEST: You know, as I have always said, I will serve this country in whatever capacity I can. My most important concern is my country, and if I see people that are not taking our country down the right path, if I see people that are not standing up for the right type of principles, and putting their own party politics before what is best for the United States of America. (WMAL's "Mornings on the Mall," June 19, 2013)