2000 was definitely a "big challenge" for Saxton—he was seriously targeted by the DCCC. And he handed that superbly, winning re-election by a huge margin.
I don't know how much credit you can give him for "superb handling" when his opponent imploded well before Election Day.
Given how many candidates wind up imploding with very little prodding, it is indeed a feat for a candidate to run an error-free campaign.
You also must remember that 2000 was a very pro-incumbent environment, which helped Saxton tremendously. We are not likely to see that in 2008.
