Rep. Allen West (R-FL) on Thursday told Newsmax.com that he would strongly consider accepting the vice presidential nomination if asked.

“You know I will always serve my country,” West said. “If someone will make that call to me, I’ll pray about it, talk it over with the family, and then we’ll step up to do our best.”

West offered a tepid assessment of Mitt Romney’s candidacy, saying the former Massachusetts governor needs to display more enthusiasm and energy if he wants to nab the nomination.

“It’s pretty interesting because, as we sit here now, Governor Romney finished third in Alabama and Mississippi,” West said. “Of course, with the proportionality, he’s still getting the delegates, but he’s really not sealing the deal. He’s doing okay in some spots, but he’s still not bringing forth the type of enthusiasm and energy that is necessary.”

West also talked to the conservative website move about his move to leave District 22 and run in the more Republican-friendly District 18. West told Newsmax he avoided an “ambush,” adding: “Momma didn’t raise no fool.”

Tags | Allen West, Mitt Romney