Allen West just got a new lease on life.After a furious backlash from West's backers over a redistricting plan that would imperil his 2012 prospects, the tea party favorite got a political gift Tuesday: the opportunity to run for a nearby seat -- one much more favorable to his prospects.
Under the state's proposed redistricting plan, drawn by Republican state lawmakers, West's current district would become much more hostile territory. The freshman congressman will instead run for a South Florida seat, whose current occupant, GOP Rep. Tom Rooney, announced on Tuesday that he would vacate the district and run nearby.
After redistricting, his old 22nd District went from 51% Donks to 57%, the 18th District will be 51% Trunks and contains 20% of his current constituents.