Martin County Sheriff Crowder weighs GOP primary challenge of Allen West
by George Bennett | February 13th, 2012“It looks like at the present time all the interest in running for that seat is coming out of Broward County with people relocating. First, I found that strange because I think we’ve got some good people up here who would be capable of representing their neighbors,” Crowder said this morning.
Crowder, 66, has been elected sheriff five times in Martin County and has a history of ruffling feathers in his own party, including his 2010 endorsement of and TV ad for Democrat Alex Sink in the governor’s race against GOP nominee Rick Scott.
His interest in the congressional seat was first reported by Treasure Coast political columnist Eve Samples on Saturday.
West announced Jan. 31 that he would leave his Palm Beach-Broward district to run in the newly drawn district. Democrat Patrick Murphy of Fort Lauderdale has also announced he’s following West to run for the seat. U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, lives in the district, but is running for a newly drawn seat to the west that includes many of his current constituents.
The Florida legislature approved the new districts last week. The map is already the subject of legal challenges.
“I have no particular personal qualms with Allen West. I kind of admire the guy for his military service,” Crowder said. “But I think it’s a problem up here for some people that we couldn’t field our own candidate.”
Crowder didn’t identify any specific areas of disagreement with West or the Republican-controlled House, saying “I agree with most things that the Republican Party supports, but I think there are times when we have to find compromise.”
Crowder said he hopes to announce a decision soon, possibly even this week.
Tags: Robert Crowder





Where's the money? Use The Post's interactive database of who wants and who's getting federal dollars.
Use these interactive graphics to find and contact Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast legislators.
February 13th, 2012 at 11:53 am
I would LOVE to see Sheriff Crowder run and he has MY VOTE! Alan West is a tool and a disgrace!
February 13th, 2012 at 12:05 pm
Crowder will have a difficult time with today’s republican party if he uses the word compromise. The right wing will define that as not having priciples.
February 13th, 2012 at 12:12 pm
Just what we need! Another RINO (repub in name only) in Whoosington! He deserves one more term alright! About 20 years to life at Eglin would be just right!
February 13th, 2012 at 12:22 pm
We need more people who will not just toe the party line when it is not in the best interests of the people. I suspect there are many Republicans who wished they had listened to him when he warned about Rick Scott. Also, I think it’s ridiculous for a politician to relocate simply in order to retain an office.
February 13th, 2012 at 12:45 pm
Allen West is simply too extreme to be a politician in America.
February 13th, 2012 at 12:48 pm
Crowder will get about 11% of the vote. Woo!
February 13th, 2012 at 2:23 pm
@ALLEN WEST MUST GO, I’m sure there are no Democrats who are too extreme, right?
February 13th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
You go Crowder you got My Vote and the Vote of alot of others, we need someone with a Good head on his shoulders , West is just going where he thinks it will be easy to win, that spells SLACKER and we that wnot what we need in these times to much work to be done. Thanks for your continued service Mr Crowder
February 13th, 2012 at 5:14 pm
The Republican Party is a front group for corporations who want to turn America into a fascist oligarchy.
You can read about ALEC if you want. Just google it.
The fascist Republicans are killing America for no reason other than relentless greed of a few extremely wealthy people.
These people, only a few thousand out of a population of HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS, are simply pure evil. There is no way around it. And Allen West is their whipping boy.
February 13th, 2012 at 7:40 pm
Allan West are you F@#king kidding this guy is a right wing moron.
February 14th, 2012 at 1:09 am
@ Allen West must Go,
Google REX 84
Scary stuff!
February 14th, 2012 at 9:29 am
Alan West is a carpetbagging teabagger who tuck’d tail and ran from his own district to run in another becuase he was scared that Lois Frankel of all people would beat the pants off him. What a joke he is. I hope Sheriff Crowder beats him sooundly. At least he live sin the district and knows the area. West is just a pathetic “yes man” to the GOP corporate machine.
February 14th, 2012 at 4:52 pm
@RENEGADE,
That isn’t half as scary as the fascist Republican takeover which is actually taking place as we speak.
February 14th, 2012 at 10:45 pm
@ ALLEN WEST MUST GO
I figure they are probably related somehow!
If they ever get the chance to implement their radical Capitalist ideas
the US of A will ceaseto exist as we know it.