Wexler bows to residency pressure
by George Bennett | July 29th, 2008Stung by claims that he doesn’t really live in Florida, Democratic U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler said today that he will lease an apartment in his congressional district rather than declaring residency at the West Delray home of his in-laws.
Fox News personality Bill O’Reilly last week accused Wexler of being a bogus Floridian. The O’Reilly Report, acting on research by Wexler’s Republican challenger, noted that Wexler owns a home in Potomac, Md., and enrolls his children in school there. Wexler is registered to vote at the Delray Beach address of his wife’s parents in a 55-and-older community.
Shortly after he was elected in 1996, Wexler sold his Palm Beach County home and moved his family to the Washington, D.C., area, saying that was the best way for him to spend time with his children.
In a statement released by his office this afternoon, Wexler again defended his Florida residency, but said he didn’t want the issue to be a distraction.
“My wife, Laurie, and I have decided to lease a residence of our own in Palm Beach County,” Wexler’s statement says.
“Although I am confident that I have represented my district as well anybody possibly could, I have heard the concerns of some of my constituents and do not want this issue to distract from my advocacy of the important issues facing our community and country.”
Wexler chief of staff Eric Johnson said the congressman is looking at a three-bedroom apartment in the Boynton Beach-Delray Beach area and could sign a lease as soon as next week.
Republican Ed Lynch brought the residency issue to O’Reilly’s attention. Former Broward County Commissioner Ben Graber, a longtime Democrat running for Wexler’s seat with no party affiliation, has also slammed the incumbent’s residency status.
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July 29th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
A little too late fraud!!!!
July 29th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
A little too late fraud!!!!
July 29th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
I would rather have a representative who lives with his wife and family than one who only visits them on weekends. There is nothing like taking out the garbage to keep you grounded. Or he could “live” in PB but spend 5 nights a week out partying with lobbyists in DC.
July 29th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Robert Wexler is not a resident of Florida and has not been since 1997. He no longer qualifies to be on the ballot. Moving to Florida 3 months before the election is insufficient to meet the residency requirement. He has been serving illegally for 11 years.That is a fact, not an opinion.
July 29th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
What else could you expect from the dem? He’s a lying SOB and Ben is a baby killer.
July 29th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
It would be interesting to know where he paid taxes since they are much higher in Maryland. He should be required to resign because he was living in Md. when he ran in Fla. the last time!
July 29th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Was there even room at his parents house for his family to live? We know the kids were a deal breaker as far as the rules for the facility as permanent residents. If he were an evil Republican the media pressure on him to resign would be intense. Since he’s a powerful Democrat he pretty much gets a pass.
July 29th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
looks like he isn’t 55-and-older, either.
Robert Wexler, U.S. Representative
State: Florida, District 19
Party: Democrat
Birthday: Jan 2, 1961 / 47 years old
July 29th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
His only-count-as-half-a-vote constituents needs to tell him he can go lease an apartment elsewhere.
Wexler is Florida
July 30th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Just another bald faced liar trying to take advantage of the fact that palm beach county does not know how to qualify for, hold, or even count votes in an election. Throw the bastard out!