Allen West calls Marcy Kaptur a communist

Actually, Rep. Allen West didn't single out Rep. Marcy Kaptur, but he did say that our congress has communists in it.

That may be a surprise to some of you, but to those who follow the positions and teachings of the Communist Party, it makes perfect sense to call people who share the same positions by that name.

Here's the story:

Allen West created an apparent controversy when he stated at a Florida event, "I believe there’s about 78 to 81 members of the Democratic Party that are members of the Communist Party." Democrats decried West's comment--and even the Communist Party USA slammed the Florida congressman.

However, West is not backing down, sticking with his claim even though he won't name specific names.

"The Congressman was referring to the 76 members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus," West's communications directors writes in an email. "The Communist Party has publicly referred to the Progressive Caucus as its allies. The Progressive Caucus speaks for itself. These individuals certainly aren't proponents of free markets or individual economic freedom."

Marcy Kaptur is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.  Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown was a member before being elected to the Senate.

And, as Alo Konsen points out in the comments:

Don't forget that Marcy is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Hot Air also has an article on the subject, with additional details about what West said and meant.