Veteran Democratic Rep. Robert Wexler is set to resign his seat today and join a Middle East think tank, according to reports.
The seven-term Florida congressman from Boca Raton told party leaders in a conference call Tuesday night that he plans to lead the Washington-based Center for Middle East Peace and Economic Cooperation, the Miami Herald reported.
Democratic leaders did not say whether the 48-year-old, self-proclaimed “fire-breathing” liberal offered another reason for the decision.
Under Florida law, Gov. Charlie Crist must call a special election to fill the seat and Wexler's unexpected move has reportedly already set off a succession battle.
An early Barack Obama supporter, Wexler campaigned nationwide to build support for his presidency in the Jewish community.
He has also gained national exposure for an appearance on Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report.”
In Colbert's "better know a district" segment, the comic tricked Wexler into saying that he “enjoyed cocaine and the company of prostitutes because they are fun things to do.”
Wexler will hold a press conference at his office in Boca Raton today at 10 a.m, according to the Herald.
