Robert Wexler

Robert Wexler (born January 2, 1961) was the Democratic Congressman from Florida, who retired early January, 2010 and was replaced by (D.) State Senator Ted Deutch. He was a lawyer before being elected to the 105th Congress (January 3, 1997). Now he is leading a Middle East think tank.^[1]

Votes[edit]

Votes with the Democratic Party 97.9% of the time. Voted against FISA upgrades. Voted for US troop withdrawal from Iraq. Voted against the 'Surge'. Voted no on extending President Bush's tax cuts. Voted yes on embryonic stem cell research. Voted no on federal courts' jurisdiction for Terri Schiavo. Voted no on free trade zones for Central American nations.^[2]

Energy[edit]

Robert Wexler voted against opening new lands for lease to oil companies for drilling, instead supporting the idea of oil companies drilling on lands already leased. Vote 455: HR6 Wexler said no for incentives to spur oil and gas companies to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil.

Criticism[edit]

The only Florida Congressman not to live in his district, Wexler represents District 19 in Delray Beach but lives with his family at his residence in Maryland. Wexler pays no property taxes in Florida and uses his in-laws' seniors-only community home to meet residency requirements.^[3] Due to criticism, Wexler has decided to rent a home in Florida.^[4] Wexler lashed out at the ultra-conservative media whom he claims targeted him for his pursuit of President Bush's impeachment.^[5]

ACORN[edit]

The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to defund ACORN, 345-75 on September 17, 2009. Seventy-five Democrats [Wexler] stood with ACORN and voted no.^[6] This despite nationwide attention related to voter fraud and recent revelation of ACORN's ties to prostitution including child trafficking and defrauding the IRS.

References[edit]

1. ↑ Florida State Senator Elected to Replace Wexler, Fox News, February 2, 2010
2. ↑ Votes Database Washington Post
3. ↑ Wexler is Florida's only Congress member with no home in district Sun-Sentinel, July 28, 2008
4. ↑ Florida Congressman Robert Wexler Rents Home to Quiet Critics AP, July 30, 2008
5. ↑ Wexler Begs for Help in Fight Against 'Ultra-Conservative Radio and Television Hosts' NewsBusters.org, August 1, 2008
6. ↑ House votes to cut off funding, but 75 stand by ACORN, Washington Examiner, September 17, 2009