According to The Search Agents, the "Also try" feature isn't a paid ad:
"So adding links to relevant queries is not new. But as far as I can tell, the “Also try” feature is the first time Google has used the right-hand column – the part of the page which had always been reserved exclusively for advertisements – to serve me additional, relevant queries."
As far as it being hardlinked to Allen west, "Try also: Obituary" doesn't come up if "LTC Allen West" or "Lieutenant Colonel Allen West" is entered in the search field, so it's only linked to the generic term "Allen West" which could be either the politician or the musician.
I'm no fan of Google, but I think this is one time they're just trying to be helpful by suggesting other term(s) to narrow the search.
You might be right. I was just very curious about this. google raises my hackles...especially since one of its execs has now become a spokeman for the MB in Egypt.