Excerpts from Vern Buchanan's victory speech:

"Number One, we need to focus as soon as we get back up there, we need to focus on jobs; we've got 23 million people out of work, I'm going to do everything I can to help small businesses be more successful and create more jobs.

"We also need less spending, we are spending our way on to bankruptcy; I introduced the constitutional balanced budget amendment; I am going to continue to fight for that; just so that we don't spend more than we take in.

"We need to balance our budget, just like you do.

"We need less taxes, I'm on the committee that oversees the tax policy; we need a flatter, simpler tax system, something that makes sense for you. And we need to get rid of the loopholes, but we need less taxes, so you keep more of your own money.

"Now, we need to stop talking about and do something about illegal immigration: Americans first, Americans first, make sure they've got the jobs, and I was one of the original co-sponsors to make English the official language.

"I voted to repeal Obamacare...because healthcare is out of sight, we can't afford another billion-dollar boondoggle. We need to repeal Obamacare, and with your help tonight, we'll get Mitt elected and we'll make that happen.

"Also I want to thank you personally, you've done the right thing for the country. Two years ago, we fired (former Speaker of the House Nancy) Pelosi, and tonight, we're going to make sure she enjoys her early retirement.

"I've been very blessed, my wife and our family's been very blessed; ... if you work hard and play by the rules, anything's possible in America. My grandparents were immigrants from Finland, they came here with nothing, they worked hard, built a family, and that's what I'm trying to do for you and your kids.

"We need to fight, and continue to fight, (so) that the American dream is here today -- and tomorrow."