News Release: Associated Press News

By JOSH LEDERMAN

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Vice President Joe Biden is giving a boost to the Democratic congressional candidate in a closely watched special election in Florida.

Biden's office says he will travel next week to Florida to raise money for Alex Sink. She's the former gubernatorial nominee who's locked in a tight race to replace the late Rep. Bill Young.

Next Wednesday's fundraiser is at the home of Michael Adler. He's a longtime Democratic donor who was finance chairman for Biden's 2008 presidential campaign. Other prominent Democratic donors are on the host committee.

Biden is expected to play a major role raising money and campaigning for Democrats ahead of the 2014 midterm elections.

Sink's race has attracted national attention. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush appears in a new ad promoting her opponent, Republican David Jolly.