The Midterm Elections: Rep. Kendrick Meek, Gov. Deval Patrick & Allen West

Candidate: Allen West

Opponent(s): Incumbent Democratic Rep. Ron Klein

Why the race matters: Every seat that the Democrats win or lose counts if they are to maintain the majority, but a strong Republican turnout could give this black conservative a win.

Key issues: Jobs, economy, energy independence, illegal immigration

Constituency: Florida’s 22nd Congressional District is urban with a majority white voting population. It was at the center of the disputed vote count during the 2000 presidential bid between George W. Bush and Al Gore.

Financing: West reported net receipts of $5,588,176 as of 10/13/10; Klein reported $3,414,725 for that same period.

Political support: Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and House Minority Leader John Boehner

Chances of winning: Recent polls show that West has a very narrow lead over Klein. But given the margin of error, at this point anything could happen.

See more on reasons the midterm elections should matter to African Americans here.

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