Watch CBS News

Allen West Spent $18 Million In Congressional Race

WEST PALM BEACH (CBSMiami) – Former GOP Congressman Allen West was one of the most prolific fundraisers in 2012 and he needed every dime of it.

According to Politico, West spent more than $18 million in 2012 to keep his seat in Congress. That's roughly four times as much as his Democratic opponent Patrick Murphy spent, $4.2 million.

In the last few weeks of the race, Politico reported West spent $4.1 million to Murphy's $880,000.

In the end it wasn't enough as Murphy topped the Tea Party legend and captured his seat for the Democrats. West didn't concede the race for more than a week and went to court twice to keep his seat, losing both times.

Politico reported West still has $1.5 million left in his campaign war chest.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.