Congressional Black Caucus Gives West Mixed Reception

Rep. Allen West of Florida recently became the first Republican to join the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) since 1996. Some liberal Democrats in the group have taken to the feisty freshman, while others haven’t, The Hill reports.

Rep. Allen West, R-Fla.

“He’s not like what I’ve read, I’ll say that,” Rep. Lacy Clay, D-Mo., a CBC member, tells the news service. “He seems to be cordial and friendly. He and I have developed a rapport.” But some are “leery” of West, according to an anonymous CBC member.

West says the media’s coverage of him hasn’t hurt his standing with other CBC members. “It doesn’t affect my relationship whatsoever. I define who I am, not someone with a pen and a pad. That’s the most important thing. If folks want to continue to write the kind of foolishness and chicanery that they seem to be up to, let them do that,” West tells The Hill.