Rep. Allen West contends that Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul’s openness to Iran’s having a nuclear weapon means he is not the leader the nation needs in the White House.
During a news conference in which the Florida Republican expressed alarm about threats to the United States on several fronts, he also noted Iran’s increasing influence in the world of terrorism. West called on the United States to confront the issue more seriously and act to protect the safety of our country and others.
“Iran is the number on estate sponsor of terrorism in the world, and we continue not to deal with it,” he said.
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West emphasized the need to have strong leadership in the White House to deal with Iran. He took a shot at Texas congressman Paul’s view, expressed during the Republican presidential candidates’ debate last week.
“When I was looking at the debate Thursday night, and a certain candidate for president stood there and said he didn’t see any problem with Iran getting a nuclear device because everybody has one, I’ve got to tell you, that’s not the kind of guy you need to have sitting at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.”