From Eric Dondero:

The Hill reported earlier in the day, that Alan West, a candidate for US House from Florida for 2010, and long a favorite of Libertarian Republicans, made the following remarks:

"This enemy preys on downtrodden soldiers and teaches them extremism will lift them up," West said in a statement. "Our soldiers are being brainwashed."

The release added that West claims "the horrible tragedy at Fort Hood is proof the enemy is infiltrating our military."

West went on to comment:

[The Military should find ways] "to prevent Islamic extremism from penetrating our bases."

West said "it is imperative that we take steps to make sure this does not happen again" and that it is important to "objectively assess this situation."

West will be challening liberal Democrat Ron Klein in a Broward County district. In 2008, an off Election Year for the GOP, West polled 45% against Klein.

West gained major media attention in 2003 during the early months of the Iraq War, when he was called before a Military Tribunal to answer questions over a combat incident. West pulled his weapon and threatened an Iraqi insurgent POW for information regarding the detenion of men in his unit.

More recently, West has co-hosted functions in South Florida for Dutch libertarian Parliamentarian Geert Wilders, and is a friend and close political ally of libertarian blogger Pamela Geller of Atlas Shrugs.