While Republican voters try to make up their minds in a knock-down-drag-out primary race for their party’s presidential nomination, former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin has a suggestion for number two. In a Fox News interview, Palin threw out the name of Rep. Allen West fellow, fellow Tea Party favorite and fan of making controversial statements.

“In this tumultuous time across our world, someone who has served in our military or at least has intimate knowledge of the way the military works and should work, perhaps by having a close family member serve, someone like that,” she said. “Colonel Allen West, who’s been to the school of hard knocks, he should be the one who should be considered seriously for VP.”

West does indeed have military experience but it’s difficult to imagine him on any candidate’s shortlist. With his history of fiery, often offensive remarks, most recently likening Democratic messaging to Nazi propaganda and a call for President Obama and top Democratic leaders to get the hell out of the U.S., it’s not likely he’ll make history as the nation’s first African-American vice president.

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(Photo: REUTERS/Molly Riley)