Rep. Allen West (R-FL) ran a devastating commercial against Democrat Patrick Murphy that contrasted West’s military service with Murphy’s arrest outside a Florida nightclub. The arrest took place on the day West had received deployment orders. Now, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has cut its planned advertisement buys in Florida’s 18th district race.
According to Roll Call, the independent expenditure arm of DCCC, which has already spent $250,000 against West so far, had budgeted nearly another $100,000 to spend on anti-West ads.
The House Majority PAC, which is aligned with Democrats, has put in another $500,000 on Murphy’s behalf.
West raised more than $4 million during the third quarter and has more than $3 million cash on hand. Murphy only raised $1 million and Roll Call reports he did not announce cash-on-hand numbers.
The battle between West and Murphy is one of the most hotly-contested and closely-watched races in the nation.
West is already a conservative superstar and one of the movement’s most powerful draws. As a black Tea Party Representative, he also threatens Democrats and liberals, and that is why they are so intent on defeating him.