Rep. Wexler to resign

U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler is resigning in January to become president of the Center for Middle East Peace.

Wexler, a Florida Democrat who was elected to his congressional seat in 1996, announced his plans at a news conference at his Boca Raton office Wednesday. The 48-year-old congressman called the move a "bittersweet" moment, but said it was the "best plan for me at this time."

Wexler is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee He represents Florida's 19th district, which covers parts of Palm Beach and Broward counties. Because he will leave before the end of his term, Gov. Charlie Crist will call a special election to fill the seat.