*ping*
But will the GOP give the Colonel money in 2010 ?
We don’t need no stinkin’ GOP! /so
If Klein vacates the seat to run for the Senate, I think the GOP will view Lt. Col. West’s run as far less quixotic and actually fund him. But, FYI, I was told by someone well connected in the Palm Beach County GOP that Lt. Col. West had refused help from campaign pros and that area Republicans thought that he didn’t stand a chance, which is why they concentrated their support on Representative-elect Rooney instead.
I do wish West well, as he polled 45% in the last election. However, if the current incumbent runs for the U.S. Senate, West may have primary competition.
If it’s an open seat with money and a not-bad year for the GOP I’d call the race a tossup.
He needs to be anointed in the primary (no honkies ;p ).