Allen West Advances in Young Guns Program

January 28, 2010

Allen West Advances in Young Guns Program
Florida Republican Becomes One of Fifteen ‘Contenders’ Nationwide

Washington- The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced today that Republican Allen West (FL-22) has reached ‘Contender’ status as part of its Young Guns program. ‘Contender’ status is the second step in the three-level program, with West now facing a new set of benchmarks to reach ‘Young Gun’ status in his bid to unseat incumbent Democrat Ron Klein.

Founded in the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), and Paul Ryan (R-WI), the Young Guns program is a member-driven organization dedicated to electing open-seat and challenger candidates nationwide. By achieving ‘Contender’ status, West has already proven his ability to build a successful campaign structure and achieve vital fundraising goals.

As a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, Allen West brings a wealth of leadership experience to his bid for Congress in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District. Lt. Col. West served the United States in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as in Afghanistan as an advisor to the Afghan Army, where he trained Afghan officers to serve their country as proudly as he has served his. As a husband and father of two daughters, Allen is dedicated to fighting for their future and for a brighter future for Florida.

“Allen West has already proven that he will be a formidable candidate by meeting the Young Guns program’s rigorous goals and is well on his way to building a winning campaign to put this seat back in the Republican column,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions. “Allen is part of a strong and growing candidate pool of everyday Americans who are frustrated with the majority’s big-government ways and aren’t willing to stand idly by any longer. His campaign has put Democrats on notice that Americans are ready to turn the page on the failed experiment known as the Obama-Pelosi agenda.”

While already having completed certain steps to place him on the road to victory, West now faces a new set of rigorous benchmarks that will elevate him to the top level of the Young Guns program and help him build an effective, winning campaign.

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