That math is wrong. 13% of the ballots in Sarasota county were blank for Representative, the percentage in other counties was 3% or less. It is 10% of the total, not 10% more undervotes, and that is statistically extremely anomalous.
It seems pretty obvious that there was a major voting machine snafu, and that the "real winner" is probably unknowable.
Nonetheless, it is up to Florida to certify the winner or order a new election. If Nancy P. wants to decline to seat the Republican, she can make a case for it, but it would be very unwise politically. (Which is why I hope she does it.)
If she actually seats the Democrat, rather than leaving the seat vacant, all hell will break loose.
The Republicans couls have acted like Democrats and refused to seat Sanchez or Landrieu, but again it is really up to the judges or voters of the state to rectify these matters.
In general the Republicans need to be MUCH MUCH tougher on the Democrats regarding the stealing of elections. However, this is NOT a good case to start doing that, there was clearly a major screwup somewhere with the voting machines.
Thanks for the correction. Given the correct data, I would agree with your conclusion.
The "journalist" seems to have been unable to state (or, more likely, understand) a simple mathematical relationship.