This “Fire-Breathing Liberal” (the title of his 2008 book) was regarded as a rising star in Congress and certainly in his home-state delegation. It had long been rumored that the Florida congressman would one day be offered a position in the Obama administration, possibly related to Israel, of which he is a staunch defender. Well, prognosticators were correct about the Israel part: Wexler announced in October that he would resign in January 2010 to become president of the nonprofit Center for Middle East Peace and Economic Cooperation. A special election will be held to replace him.