Democrat handily wins Florida special election for US House

[WI_DEM]

BOCA RATON, Florida (AP) — A Democratic state senator on Tuesday handily won the first U.S. House race since Congress passed President Barack Obama's massive health care overhaul.

With 51% of precincts reporting, The Associated Press called the race for Democrat Ted Deutch, who had 61% of the vote compared to 36% for Republican underdog Ed Lynch. Independent candidate Jim McCormick trailed far behind with just 3%.

Deutch, an attorney, and Lynch, a contractor, both 44, were vying to replace retiring Democratic U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler.

Although not unexpected -- the hugely popular Wexler endorsed Deutch in a district that voted strongly for Obama (65%) in 2008 -- it was nonetheless a sweet win. Republican Lynch went all out condemning the health care bill, hoping that blasting the Democratic signature issue would carry the day. Didn't work out so well.

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