Associated Press Published

Ex-Florida Congressman to Speak to West Virginia GOP

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Former Congressman Allen West will headline a West Virginia Republican event in two weeks.

The South Florida Republican will speak at the West Virginia GOP Eastern Panhandle Victory Reception in Martinsburg. The Sept. 28 event will showcase candidates in the Eastern Panhandle.

West is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel. He rode into office on a wave of conservative tea party support in 2010. He lost his first re-election in 2012 to Democrat Patrick Murphy, the 31-year-old youngest member of Congress.

West remains a fundraising powerhouse. His political action committee, the Allen West Guardian Fund, has $1.4 million cash in the bank. The group aims to elect minority and military veteran Republicans.

West is also a Fox News contributor.