West’s words and actions were wrong when he left the army and his words and his actions today show that he’s wrong for Florida’s families now. 

Tallahassee, FL — In response to Allen West’s new ad which attacks  Patrick Murphy for a mistake he made as teenager but ignores West’s own record of assault and violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the Florida Democratic Party issued the following statement:  

STATEMENT FROM SCOTT ARCENEAUX, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY:  

“It’s a cheap and dirty shot to attack someone for what they did when they were 19 years old, and this ad shows just how worried West is about losing his seat. But more important is what this ad reveals about West’s character, and what it doesn’t mention: for instance, this ad doesn’t mention that Allen West left the army after violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice by firing a 9mm pistol next to a detainee’s head. And this ad doesn’t mention the numerous words and actions West has taken in Washington which have disappointed his constituents — from voting to end Medicare as we know it to his explosive rhetoric  —  which has put him out of touch with the people of Florida he was supposed to represent. Frankly, when a politician like West cuts an ad that makes no mention of the horrific language and divisive politics that he has become synonymous with over the last several years, it’s tough to trust anything he says.”  

BACKGROUND:

Military Prosecutors Said West Violated Uniform Code of Military Justice. “The commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division on Friday accepted a U.S. military investigator’s recommendation and ordered administrative action against Lt. Col. Allen West, who was accused of using improper methods to force information out of an Iraqi detainee. Following a military hearing, West was fined $5,000 over two months […] But while West’s supporters call him a hero, military prosecutors said his actions amounted to torture and violated articles 128 and 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.” [CNN, 12/13/03]

During Interrogation, West Threatened to Kill Detainee and Shot a Gun Near His Head.. “The case stems from an incident August 20 at a military base in Taji, just north of Baghdad, when West was interrogating and Iraqi policeman […] West said the policeman, Yahya Jhrodi Hamoody, was not cooperating with interrogators, so he watched four of his soldiers from the 220th Field Artillery Battalion beat the detainee on the head and body. West said he also threatened to kill Hamoody. Military prosecutors say West followed up on that threat by taking the suspect outside, put him on the ground near a weapons clearing barrel and fired his 9 mm pistol into the barrel.” [CNN, 12/13/03] 

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