Allen West Opponent Announces for 2012

Freshman Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., has made a national name for himself with his articulate, forthright conservative stances. And next year he may face opposition from outspoken liberal Democrat Lois Frankel, the mayor of West Palm Beach. She announced Monday that she will enter the race, The Palm Beach Post reports.

Frankel didn’t specify her policy views but said she’ll focus on “jobs, jobs, jobs” in an interview with the paper. “Allen West’s record’s going to speak for itself,” Frankel said. “I believe the focus needs to be not on talk radio. The focus needs to be on working people — on people paying their mortgages, on people getting jobs and that should be the focus of Mr. West and the rest of Congress.”

West said he’s focused on his job in Congress rather than re-election. “We are at a critical time in our country’s history. We need to takes steps to create jobs, restrain government spending and be focused on our national security.”