National Government Despite Controversy, Buchanan Still Looking Strong in House Seat

Congressman Vern Buchanan

BRADENTON – Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-Longboat Key) has had a tough year. The third-term House member has been through an FEC investigation and is currently undergoing Justice Department and Congressional Ethics Committee investigations, but none of it has derailed his political career thus far.

Buchanan, one of the wealthiest members of Congress, has amassed nearly $1.3 million in campaign contributions as of his last filing, over a million dollars more than Democratic challenger Keith Fitzgerald, a New College professor and former state house rep in district 69, who was defeated by Ray Pilon in 2010.

Democrats have also attacked Congressman Buchanan on his vote for a budget plan that sought to overhaul Medicare and are hoping that it all spells vulnerability for the incumbent, especially if the district picks up Democrats in the redistricting process, which seems likely in both the House and Senate map proposals, though both still leave him with a sizeable advantage.

Campaign Contributions:

U.S. House District 13 as of most recent filing:

Vern Buchannan: $1,278,349

Keith Fitzgerald: $224,266