Allen West, Others Face Challenges In 2012 House Races

WASHINGTON -- Call it basic political math. Twenty-five new seats put the Democrats over the top in the House, giving them back the majority they lost two years ago. Republicans acknowledge they'll lose some seats, but maintain they will remain in charge. Ten 10 races to watch in the coming months that could provide some clues to the outcome on Election Day:

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DEMOCRATS

Georgia 12th Congressional District: Can four-term conservative Rep. John Barrow survive in the Republican South?

California 24th: If eight-term Rep. Lois Capps wins, Democrats could be on their way to significant gains in the state, a boost to their shot of winning the House.

Utah 4th: Six-term Rep. Jim Matheson is a regular GOP target in this solid Republican state, but the U.S. Chamber of Commerce likes his voting record.

North Carolina 7th: The GOP-drawn maps are a nightmare for Democrats in the state. Can eight-term Rep. Mike McIntyre, another conservative, continue the minimal Democratic presence in the South?

New York 26th: First-term Rep. Kathy Hochul lifted Democratic spirits last year with a win in a special election. Republicans are looking to take the seat back.

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REPUBLICANS

Illinois 11th: Seven-term Rep. Judy Biggert is a top Democratic target after the party drew political boundaries to its liking. She could face former Rep. Bill Foster, who lost in 2010.

Florida 18th: The outspoken and well-funded freshman Rep. Allen West switched to the district and immediately drew Republican challengers.

Colorado 6th: New district lines make it tougher for two-term Rep. Mike Coffman.

California 7th: Defeating nine-term Rep. Dan Lungren is one part of the Democratic calculation to winning big in California.

New York 13th: First-term Rep. Michael Grimm has been dogged by questions about his fundraising and business practices in a district that includes Staten Island and part of Brooklyn.

Comments

[Drumbeato]

09:33 PM on 04/11/2012

The previous Congress that was controlled by Democrats under the leadership of Nancy Pelosi, had an approval rating that never fell below 20%. The current Republican led Congress has been in power for 15 months, & their approval rating has floated between 6% & 11%, which is the worst approval rating of any Congress ever. If Democrats lost control of Congress with an approval rating of 20%, how can the current Republican Congress possibly hold onto control of it? I would say any Republican who claims they will prevail in November, is engaging in some very serious wishful thinking.

[Kevin Hagen]

11:32 AM on 02/27/2012

This indiviual has no place in the congress. He ranks among the tea baggers like Joe Walsh, not wanting to increase his childrens indetdness, but oweing his wife hundred of thousands in back child support.
West has proven time and time again he has no respect for the eldery,and unemployed, needy within his own constituents,he is a disgrace to his armed service he tried to serve,his party he tries to hold office for,and all those who put him in office!
Once out ofofficethere will be no tears shead for this pinhead.

[szweir]

10:38 AM on 02/27/2012

When West loses then a whole bunch of stupidity will be removed from the capitol.

[janemarple]

10:32 AM on 02/27/2012

At a recent meeting of my senior's community in so. Fl., all of our residents,[a mixture of R's and D's] professed their love and admiration for Rep. West..
This random sample means next to nothing, like most polls, except for one thing; every last one of these people will Vote in Nov. No matter how rainy, windy, or how long the lines are..
It is what it is...at least in So. Fl.

[centsable]

11:25 AM on 02/27/2012

No surprise there, Florida votes for "love and admiration", not the candidates policies or the best interest of the state or the people who are suppose to represent them in congress....and your governor's name is.....

[nypapajoe]

10:27 AM on 02/27/2012

The Republican extremism has got even the most conservative amongst us concerned! The republican congress and senate have become obstructionist they no longer have the best interest of this nation at heart! They have caved into the corporate determination to maximize profits at what ever the cost to the democracy of our nation! It use to be as long as the poor in those "Ghettos" were affected it was all right but the greed has now affected middle class America causing the demise of the middle class! White folks are now unemployed, homeless and going hungry, while the ultra rich gain even more wealth! This is unconscionable and rather alarming!

[FatherH]

07:51 AM on 02/27/2012

I hope the good people of Florida make the right election decision regarding this candidate.

[cclaker]

07:03 AM on 02/27/2012

I was glad to see that George Will pointed out that West's complaints about spending $70 on gas to fill up his vehicle was because he drives a Hummer. Duh!

[chris hatala]

04:41 AM on 02/27/2012

West and A
Walsh are embarrassments to humans everywhere.

[cindylou1962]

01:27 AM on 02/27/2012

In West's case, well-funded won't be enough. Voters in his District now know he's cra-cra. Also, Joe Walsh (R-IL) has no chance of winning a second term.

[Glory2]

12:36 AM on 02/27/2012

Hopefully this guy will be voted out come November..

[johnhrenko]

12:07 AM on 02/27/2012

West is an embarassment to the people of Florida, But I think the Governor has him beat, What a pair of Zero`s

[loki]

11:56 PM on 02/26/2012

Allen West actions and comments remind me of someone else, and I just realized who it is.
Allen Keyes... Maybe he is really Allen Keyes West from Florida?

[jerabaub]

08:33 AM on 02/27/2012

I think Keyes is a paragon of sanity compared to West.

[centsable]

11:26 AM on 02/27/2012

To close to call ;-)

[Anita Brady]

11:27 PM on 02/26/2012

I made a contribution to an Democratic opponent of Rep. Allen West so he can be sent back to Florida for good.

[mrhandyman3105]

11:18 PM on 02/26/2012

The GOP Republicans only know one kind of dance in any political campaign, It's called the GOP Politician". It's one step forward, two steps backward, and then a sidestep.

The GOP is going down in November!!
Throw all the GOP "Scum" and their supporting Democrat Comrades out of office!!
Vote Democrat and for Obama in November!!

[Glory2]

12:38 AM on 02/27/2012

F&F mrhandyman...

[blknightowl]

01:48 AM on 02/27/2012

I haven't finished grading the Presidential canididates yet, as for the "freshmen Tea Party" Congress, their grades are all just about "F's". So, as things stand, I am in total agreement with you.

This is what happens when you do absolutely no work, but you've had a job since 2010, and now you want someone to support you. NOT on my dime.

[TBrennan]

10:49 PM on 02/26/2012

Please Florida, send Allen "Tio Tomas" West packing.