West was fined $5000 and forced to retire from the Army. He’ll be trying to unseat the incumbent, Democratic freshman representative Ron Klein, whose campaign funds are vastly greater than West’s. However, as Fox News reports, West may be using dismissal from the Army as a reason Florida citizens should support his candidacy–citing a loyalty afforded to his soldiers by his actions. Of course, others may say his interrogation techniques were harsh and illegal. But as West told the network:
But the cop quickly caved in after West’s phony death threat.
After the gunshot, West recalled, the detainee screamed “ok, OK, OK!” and gave up the names of three individuals who were then taken off the streets, ending a cycle of roadside bomb attacks on West’s men that had been escalating the previous three weeks.
West said he knew firing the gun would probably end his career but nevertheless did it to protect his soldiers.
West isn’t the only veteran vying for the chance to run against Klein. Mark Flagg, a former Navy pilot, will run against West in an August 2008 primary.
Ninety-five members of Congress signed a letter to the secretary of the Army supporting the colonel.
