Robert Wexler leaves us on the hook
Few would argue that former congressman Robert Wexler isn't a mensch, which is District 19 vernacular for a man of honor and integrity.
Whether or not you agreed with his politics, the self-described “Fire-Breathing Liberal” represented his district with uncompromising passion.
Halfway through his most recent term, Wexler jumped ship to take a better paying job with a Middle East-oriented think tank. He made no secret of why he was leaving. The man’s got kids to put through school—who could blame him?
We now learn that the primary and general election to replace Mr. Wexler will cost the taxpayers of Broward and Palm Beach Counties—which Dist. 19 straddles—some $1.7 million, at a time when local governments are already stretched to the limit. To compound the insult, county taxpayers who do not even live in Dist. 19 must also kick in to pay the tab for Mr. Wexler’s step up the financial ladder.
What started out as an understandable change in career is now beginning to look like an unconscionable act of selfishness.
Presumably, Mr. Wexler still has control over a sizable campaign kitty, which federal law allows him to do with as he pleases. Here’s a suggestion: Rather than keep it for himself, or use it to bolster the campaigns of like-minded pols, he should reimburse the two counties he represented for the cost of replacing him.
Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. It’s what a mensch would do.
CHAN LOWE has been the Sun Sentinel’s first and only editorial cartoonist for the past twenty-six years. Before that, he worked as cartoonist and writer for the Oklahoma City Times and the Shawnee (OK) News-Star.
Comments
Do we need Representative Democracy when we don't need representative democracy?
Vote for everything on-line. $2 million should cover the https: for the whole state.
Posted by: Matt | February 15, 2010 2:59 PM
If you think Wexler is a mensch I have own a bridge I would like to sell you. Please!
Posted by: dave | February 15, 2010 4:23 PM
Wexler's laughing all the way to the bank. Mensch?..He had all of you fooled. He did it all for his own self enrichment.Open your eyes folks.You've been deceived.
Posted by: Political Guy | February 15, 2010 4:37 PM
A Mensch - "The man’s got kids to put through school—who could blame him?" I guess his 100k + salary wasn't enough. He's a disgrace. He saw a political windstorm brewing and he took off like many other dems did. Puleez!
Posted by: Barry O. | February 15, 2010 5:19 PM
I hate to say typical, but...
Posted by: nokoolaid | February 15, 2010 6:08 PM
just another liberal dirt bag
Posted by: kilroy | February 15, 2010 9:29 PM
I think we may be getting off easy. Had he stayed on and helped ram through the Obama agenda, we'd be in the hole a heck of a lot more than $1.7 million.
Posted by: Sisyphus74 | February 16, 2010 6:45 AM
If Wexler is going to a "think tank" then he must be going to be the "tank" part of the organization. I haven't seen a more moronic guy in a long time, or perhaps, never.
Posted by: Martin Smith | February 16, 2010 7:13 AM
This was never an understandable change in career plans, it was greed and self-serving behavior.
Posted by: Pat | February 16, 2010 7:51 AM
The voters continued to return Wexler to office in exchange for some sandwiches and favors that made them feel 'important'.He was exactly what he appeared to be all along. a corrupt, manipulative elected official who used his position for his own benefit ignoring even a feeble attempt to be a useful elected representative. We get the kind of elected representation that we deserve.
Posted by: frank leopoldo | February 16, 2010 8:23 AM
Chan DID NOT say that Mr. Wexler was a mensch.!! He said that he should remburse the two counties he represented. If he don't, then he has a lot of "Chutzpah." Maybe we should do what the Athenian's did,eon's ago...Devise a lottery to elect our officials..Could we do any worse.?
Posted by: Lorraine Wagner | February 16, 2010 9:56 AM
Is this the guy who doesn't actually really live in Florida any longer?
Posted by: Kevin | February 16, 2010 10:29 AM
He may be your hero Chad, but not mine. The Mensch has a stench that is making me wretch.
Posted by: Fall Guy | February 16, 2010 3:35 PM
Lorraine Wagner - my meshugina! ;)
Posted by: Barry O. | February 17, 2010 6:12 AM
A perfect example of people following party lines, anyone with a brain could see he wasn't a good candidate but he was the Democrat in a Democrat controlled district. I'm not sure I want to see who they put in there next!
Posted by: Pointman870 | February 17, 2010 7:14 AM
“Fire-Breathing Liberal” represented his district with uncompromising passion.
Chan must be talking about the one in Maryland, his real address ?
Posted by: Anonymous | February 17, 2010 2:16 PM
Barry O--Oy Vey, my mavin.!
Posted by: Lorraine Wagner | February 18, 2010 3:37 PM