Today Is THE Day For Vern Buchanan...

Jan 4, 2007...

FL. Congressional District 13 -

Vern Buchanan's swearing-in day arrives...

WASHINGTON, DC (NS) --

Last night in Washington, DC at a reception for the FL GOP Delegation sponsored by the US Chamber of Commerce, Republican Congressman-Elect Vern Buchanan still was being a bit apprehensive about his swearing in ceremony...

Although Democrats have agreed to seat him in Congress today, despite the ongoing challenge to his 369-vote victory on Nov. 7, Buchanan was still tempering his enthusiasm for his new post...

Sitting in his new Congressional office near the U.S. Capitol, Buchanan said that he couldn't rest until a ceremony today in which he will be given an official Congressional lapel pin that will give him access only members of Congress have on Capitol Hill...

"When I get my pin, then I'll know I'm in," Buchanan said...

Today is the day that all 435 members of Congress will be sworn in for a new session in Congress beginning at noon. It marks the official first day of Congress, and the first day of a new career in Congress for Buchanan...

Vern Buchanan has built a reputation in Sarasota as one of the community's most prominent businessmen the past dozen years by building an automobile dealership empire and as a big financial donor to public causes such as the Ringling Museum and Mote Marine Laboratories. But Buchanan says he's at a point in his life where he wants to make his mark in another way and today is the beginning of that...

"Public service is a very good thing; it's the most noble thing if you are doing it for the right reasons," Buchanan said. "I want to make a difference."

Buchanan knows there are cynics who are convinced he's just trying to add another notch to his resume, but he insists they've got him wrong...

"There might have been some time when I was 25 that was important to me, but when you are 55 it's not," Buchanan said. "I'm representing the people. It's not about my agenda or what I'm getting out it."

Buchanan said he wants the chance to show people over the next two years that he can do the job. His supporters know he will do just that...

Using his business career as a template, Buchanan said he's hired an experienced, professional staff that can help make him a good representative. He said in business he said the key was always having the right people to lean on...

"I'm not the most brilliant guy, but I'll learn pretty quick," Buchanan said. "I've got the best team."

Because of the national Democratic wave that knocked Republicans out of control of Congress for the first time in 12 years, Buchanan said he was able to find top-notch employees with Capitol Hill experience to join his staff...

One of those hires is Dave Karvelas, his new chief of staff, who worked for 10 years for recently defeated Rep. Nancy Johnson, R-Conn. Johnson was one of the most prominent members of Congress, helping craft the national prescription drug program...

"I've got access to the best people," Buchanan said...

But for some Democrats, Buchanan still isn't fully accepted as the representative for the 13th District. Of course those same people will never accept much of anything because they represent the radical minority inside the Democratic Party...

Immediately after the swearing-in of new House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Rep. Rush Holt, D-New Jersey, is expected to take to the House floor to remind Congress of the voting machine controversy in Sarasota and to make an official inquiry into the Nov. 7th results...

Although Buchanan was certified as the winner, more than 18,000 undervotes were reported in the race between Buchanan and Democrat Christine Jennings...

Jennings said she's convinced that touchscreen voting machines used in Sarasota County didn't work properly and cost her the election. Jennings has sued and is also challenging the election results in Congress...

Jennings attorney also launched an appeal yesterday on the ruling by a Leon County FL Judge who wouldn't allow her access to the Touchscreen voting machine codes...

Jennings also wants Congress to declare a new election...

This past Friday, a spokesman for Pelosi said Buchanan would be seated in Congress, because "she didn't want the 13th District left without representation"...

How 'quaint'' of her to do that for us. Couldn't have anything to do with the Judge's decision or the fact that Vern Buchanan was the State certified WINNER of FL Congressional District 13 could it???

When Holt takes to the floor of the House today, he will tell the body that although Buchanan is being seated, Jennings' challenge in Congress won't be cast aside...

Buchanan knows what Democrats plan, but said all he can do is be the best member of Congress he can. He said he's not much for boasting about what he plans to get done...

"It's not what someone says they will do," Buchanan said late Wednesday at a reception in downtown Washington with family and friends. "It's what someone does."

Family members say Buchanan's doubters don't know how determined he is to do the job he's been elected to do...

"He's been ready, he wants to get going," his wife Sandy Buchanan said at the "Welcome To Washington Reception," held at the US Chamber of Commerce Facility on New Jersey Ave, just a few blocks away from the Capitol. "When he gets his mind set on something, he just wants to get going," said Sandy Buchanan...

Darryl Buchanan, Vern's brother, said ever since they were kids, Vern has shown his determination to succeed, something that will drive him in Congress...

"Anytime he puts his mind to it or tries to accomplish something in life, he does it," Darryl Buchanan said...

For all the 'doom and gloomers' in FL. District 13 who thought this day would never come about, JOIN with the rest of us in welcoming our new Congressman, Vern Buchanan, a believer in 'common sense' in Politics...

The Bradenton Herald also had another Editorial today asking Christine Jennings to stop her baseless challenge and accept the results and move on...

We'll see if SHE listens to 'common sense', or choses to cost the Taxpayers more money on their own personal 'agenda'...

For Now, That's Just 'OUR' Opinion...

Matt Bruce
Managing Editor
News Sarasota.com
Host Of "The Captain's AMERICA" Radio Show...

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