Vern Buchanan highlights re-election bid to packed Manatee Tiger Bay Club audience

 

Jesse Mendoza

Sarasota Herald Tribune

Hours after U.S. Rep Vern Buchanan announced that he would be running for re-election in District 16, the Republican from Longboat Key explained why he chose to run for the district that primarily represents Manatee County over Sarasota to a packed Tiger Bay Club audience.

 

Buchanan currently represents District 16, but his home was drawn out of the district's boundaries by new congressional map by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Yet, he chose to run for re-election out of the district that primarily encompasses Manatee County and parts of Hillsborough.

 

"It looks like the governor's maps are going to prevail," Buchanan said. "It was an easy decision for me. I selected Manatee."

 

Buchanan lives in the Sarasota County side of Longboat Key, which is represented by U.S. Rep. Gregg Steube under the new map. But living in the district is not a requirement for members of Congress, affording Buchanan the opportunity to represent Manatee.

 

"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Manatee County and (former Sheriff) Charlie Wells," he said. "Manatee has been the heart of my district. I even tell people it's kind of my old district. For 10 years, it was kind of like an airplane. The body was Manatee and part Sarasota, the northern half, and part Hillsborough. But Manatee has always been there for me, and I'm going to be there for them."

Ways and Means

Buchanan is the top Republican on the Ways and Means Committee and is in prime position for the chairmanship if he is re-elected and if Republicans win the House majority in November.

 

The House Ways and Means committee is commonly viewed as the most powerful committee in Washington D.C. because of its broad reach which includes tax policy, trade, welfare, social security, and Medicare. 

 

No Florida republican has ever held the chairmanship role, and during Thursday's Manatee Tiger Bay Club luncheon, Buchanan underscored that benefits for seniors would be his top priority if he indeed earns the position.

 

"In terms of Manatee County, that will be a big thing to have the Chairman of Ways and Means because we are going to weigh in on a lot of big things," Buchanan said.

 

"These programs are are critical to our area," he said. "Our old district is the most senior district in the country, so that's why I'm very very committed, out of all these things, taxes obviously a big part of it, but all these things making sure Medicare and social security are viable long-term. That's my main goal as chairman of this committee."