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Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Maryland

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 30, 2008

Outsourcing isn't just being done to American jobs these days. It has spread to congressional representation in South Florida's 19th District, and all Floridians should be angry.

U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, a vocal Democrat serving his sixth term, isn't really living in the district, which is bad enough. Worse, for all practical purposes he doesn't even live in Florida. He's a Maryland man.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Wexler uses his in-laws' home in a Delray Beach "seniors-only" development to meet residency requirements and that the home he owns is in Maryland. Wexler sold his Florida home 11 years ago, and he and his family call the Maryland dwelling their home base, according to the newspaper.

Wexler, who often rails against the Republican agenda, needs to pick between Florida and Maryland, as well as his office and the often perk-free real world. He can't have it both ways. The people who elected him deserve much better, namely a congressman who lives among them and sees firsthand the challenges they are experiencing.

Granted, the Constitution is a bit fuzzy about U.S. House residency requirements. Members must only live in their state "when elected," and policies are made in Washington, D.C. But common sense and staying in touch with constituents are paramount to good representation.

On average Wexler returns to the home district twice a month, "sometimes a lot more and sometimes a lot less," his office told the Sun-Sentinel. That doesn't cut it.

Many other members of Congress are able to do their jobs in Washington and still keep their feet firmly on the ground in their districts, even with family demands. Tampa Bay area Reps. Kathy Castor, Ginny Brown-Waite and Gus Bilirakis, for instance, actually live in the areas they represent and come home when Congress isn't in session. That's the way it should be done.

It's small consolation that Wexler promised Tuesday that he and his wife planned to lease an apartment in his district; he has skirted residency for years. If he can't live among the voters who elected him, he should resign and try latching on with the Democratic National Committee in Washington. He already has a place to live there.

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