Vern Buchanan Not Running for the Senate in 2016

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., announced on Thursday that he will remain in the U.S. House and not run for the U.S Senate. Buchanans name had been mentioned as a possible candidate for the Senate seat currently held by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who is running for the presidency in 2016 and is not seeking a second term.

"The decision came down to where could I make the biggest difference in serving Florida and improving the lives of the middle class and the answer was pretty clear -- as a senior member on the committee that oversees the tax code, Social Security, Medicare and international trade, Buchanan said on Thursday. "It is the highest privilege and honor to represent the people of Florida's 16th District and I look forward to continue serving as their representative in Washington.

Buchanan sits on the U.S. House Ways and Means and the Budget Committees.