New York (CNN) — “I have here in my hand a list of 205 communists …”

The ghost of Joe McCarthy’s ulcerous accusations hung over a disturbingly casual comment this past week by U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Florida.

When asked by a constituent at a town hall, “What percentage of the American legislature do you think are card-carrying Marxists?”

“That’s a fair question,” West replied. “I believe there’s about 78 to 81 members of the Democratic Party that are members of the Communist Party.”

Keep in mind that this is the man Sarah Palin recently recommended be Mitt Romney’s vice presidential nominee.

John P. Avlon

And not only did West not apologize — or receive significant criticism from his fellow Republicans — his revealing response was to raise funds off it.

The number West picked out was apparently based on the number of congressmen affiliated with the Congressional Progressive Caucus. This is an organization of the most liberal members of Congress, but to call them communists is a slander splashed with blood.

via Where’s the outrage over Republican’s ‘communist’ claim? – CNN.com.