Herman Cain calls on Romney to pick Allen West for VP

After failing at his own attempt at the presidency, Herman Cain is now offering campaign advice to likely Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney.

During an interview with radio host Steve Gill on Monday, Cain called on Romney to pick tea party favorite Rep. Allen West (R-FL) as his vice presidential nominee.

"He is well spoken," Cain explained. "He is direct. People in Florida love him. He has a huge following. He is from Florida. Florida is going to be one of those key states. Most importantly, Col. Allen West is a dedicated patriot. He served in the military and he's willing to serve his country some more. I know that there might be some push back on his part because he's just in his first term being a United States congressman."

"The tea party loves him," Gills noted. "Being African American, obviously would have an impact."

"I think he would be an excellent choice," Cain agreed.

Last week, failed GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin first floated West’s name at a possible “rogue” pick for 2012. South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R), an early supporter of Mitt Romney, agreed that West would be “good” in the VP slot.

West said on Friday that he would accept the Republican vice presidential nomination if it was the “right fit.”

West told CNN’s Kyra Phillips that he had “never been out on a dinner date” with Romney, but he’d be willing to join the ticket.

“Yeah, well, right now, you know, the focus is, of course, being a good Congressional representative,” West explained. “But if someone were to make that call to me, which I really doubt is ever going to happen, you would have to make sure that it is something that God would ordain for you, and you’d have to talk to your wife, my wife and my two daughters about. But we have always stepped up to the plate to serve our country. And if it’s the right fit, then I will do so.”

Listen to the audio below from The Steve Gills Show, broadcast April 9, 2012.

Photo: Flickr/Gage Skidmore

(H/T: Talking Points Memo)