Larry Sabato: U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan Now 'Likely' to Win Re-Election

Nationally renownedpolitical scientist and political analyst Larry Sabatothis week movedFlorida's 16th Congressional Districtrace from a "lean" Republican seat to a "likely" win for U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan.

The move comes days after a series of fortunate happenings for the Buchanan campaign.

On Sept. 11, the Justice Department cleared Buchanan of corruption charges. On Sept. 15, in exclusive interviews with Sunshine State News,Democrat Keith Fitzgerald wasdenounced by Habitat for Humanityofficials for falsely attacking Buchanan, and just a few days after thatBuchanan was publicly endorsed by his opponent's sister, Linda Fitzgerald-Huber, who also donated to Buchanan's re-election campaign.

"People everywhere are embracing Vern's positive agenda of creating jobs, growing the economy and strengthening Medicare," said spokeswoman Sally Tibbetts, "as Fitzgerald's desperate and negative campaign backfires."

Earlier this month, an independent poll showed Buchanan leading by nearly 20 points.