Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/256534
It's a busy couple of weeks in local conser- vative politics, with three major events on the books. Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner hits town next Saturday to raise money alongside National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Rep. Greg Walden, Rep. Vern Buchanan and, in the words of an email promoting the event, assorted "Members of Republican House Leadership." That fundraiser, tickets for which run from $500 to $52,600, will be hosted by Rick Santorum's former Florida campaign chief, Jesse Biter, and his wife, Katie, in their Marina Tower penthouse. Not quite ready to drop those kinds of duc- ats? Never fear. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas will be in Sarasota shortly thereafter to accept the Republican Party of Sarasota County's Statesman of the Year award, joining the ranks of birther Donald Trump and others. Cruz will attend a $15 rally before leaving for a $500 reception and a $5,000 private dinner. And if you just can't wait, don't worry: Allen West will be in Sarasota to headline the Republican Party's annual Lincoln Day Dinner, for the low, low price of $125 to $250. West was elected to Congress in 2010 as part Former Republican Congressman Allen West is paying a visit to Sarasota. Photo by Gage Skidmore, via Flickr ON THE EVE OF HIS SARASOTA APPEARANCE, A LOOK BACK AT SOME OF REP. ALLEN WEST'S GREATEST HITS ANALYSIS: BEST WEEKS EVER By Cooper Levey-Baker Associate Editor