Vern Buchanan vs. Keith Fitzgerald, 16th Congressional District
The struggle for the newly drawn 16th Congressional District will dominate both Sarasota and Manatee counties. But Manatee is positioned to be the decider in the race. In 2006, the last time Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, had a tough race, Buchanan lost Sarasota County in the Republican primary and general election, but won by 369 votes thanks to a huge boost from Manatee voters.
But redistricting has done Buchanan no favors. The addition of at least 6,000 more Democrats could help Democratic challenger Keith Fitzgerald of Sarasota.
Buchanan has put an intense focus on Manatee County, holding regular town hall meetings there and last week walking downtown.
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