Robert Wexler for Florida Senate:
This page is part of an undergraduate assignment for Davidson College
Democratic Representative Robert Wexler would be a competitive candidate for the upcoming Senatorial election based on his stance on the following issues compared with those of Mel Martinez and Betty Castor:
Wexler supports the “Third Way” instead of leaning strongly left or right (activote.ontheissues.org). According to the United Press International, “general elections in Florida are usually decided in the mainstream.” Castor remains in the mainstream while Martinez is strongly supported by President Bush. Wexler’s “Third Way” would capture many mainstream voters.
Wexler voted against expediting approval of forest thinning projects (2003) (activote.ontheissues.org), against drilling off Florida’s coast, and for restoring the everglades (www.wexler.house.gov). He voted against oil drilling and development in ANWR (in Alaska) and for implementing the Kyoto Protocol (activote.ontheissues.org). The environment is an important issue in Florida (Lorenz) so this stance is critical to his candidacy.
Wexler’s support for emergency funding for war in Iraq (2003), the $266 billion Defense Appropriations bill (1999) (activote.ontheissues.org) and Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act (2002) (www.wexler.house.gov) makes him a strong competitor for military and veteran voters, even against Martinez, who hopes to “build the strongest military in the world,” (activote.ontheissues.org).
While Martinez supports Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act, Castor insists this is not an adequate plan (Swartz). Wexler supports required student testing by the state (activote.ontheissues.org). This shows some interest in improving education but is the weakest of his issues compared to the other candidates.
Wexler supports Social Security but believes that reforms will be necessary to prepare for the baby-boomers. He has also supported Medicare reform to modernize the Medicare system making it more efficient, and improving the prescription drug plan (www.wexler.house.gov). This will increase his popularity with the elderly, a large portion of Florida’s population. Unfortunately, he will need to downplay his vote against Prescription Drug Coverage under Medicare in 2000 (activote.ontheissues.org) which shows lack of commitment to healthcare issues compared with Graham, Martinez, and Castor who are committed to healthcare improvements.
Being Jewish, Wexler holds an advantage with Jewish voters, a large portion of Florida’s population. Wexler showed loyalty to minorities in voting against ending preferential treatment by race in college admissions (1998) and pushing for equal rights by gender (2001) (activote.ontheissues.org). This would help Wexler pick up minority votes despite Martinez’s clear advantage among Cubans.
Wexler’s consistent refusal to vote for tax cuts, ranging from making the Bush tax cuts permanent (2002) to eliminating estate tax (2001) and the “marriage penalty" (2001) weakens his candidacy against Martinez who voted for maintaining the Bush Tax cuts (activote.ontheissues.org). However, it aligns with Bob Graham’s stance against Bush’s plan to cut $1.2 trillion from budget.
Created by Meredith Lorenz
Last updated: 9/22/2004.
Political Science 318: Strategy and Ethics in Election Campaigns