Robert Wexler

U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, author of "Fire-Breathing Liberal," tells Stephen how he has survived and thrived during his six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In the final episode, Democratic Representative John Murtha, a decorated war veteran, announces his position that the United States should withdraw its troops from Iraq. A day later, the Capitol is thrown into chaos when Republicans counter with a resolution forcing a vote yea or nay for immediate withdrawal.

In episode five, Wexler's district takes a devastating hit from Hurricane Wilma, despite his best efforts to ensure preparation and coordinated policies on the ground. While the Congressman focuses his attention on his constituents, Halie settles into a new apartment and Lale, Eric and James visit Lale's parents.

In episode four, the staff is working on Iraq and environmental policy matters when Hurricane Katrina hits. Having experienced FEMA's incompetence during Florida's previous hurricane season, Wexler is incensed by the unfolding catastrophe and becomes an angry, articulate voice on behalf of Katrina refugees.

In episode three, Eric's preoccupation with work creates tension at home with his partner, while Halie prepares to take a major step in her relationship with her new Democratic boyfriend. In the office, the staff grapples with how to respond to President Bush's nomination of John Roberts for the Supreme Court.

With Bush back in office and pushing Social Security reform, Wexler and his staff move aggressively to offer an alternative plan - a strategy that wins them no love from their party's leadership. Foreign policy wonk Halie pushes the Congressman to join a press conference about Darfur, and Eric brainstorms a pointed legislative response to revelations of White House involvement in the CIA leak case. Lale puzzles over her habit of dating Republicans, and comes in for much teasing from her co-workers.

With the 2004 national election fast approaching, Congressman Wexler and his staff pour their energies into scheduling television appearances, issuing press statements about the mounting chaos in Iraq, and taking the President to task for his Middle-East policy. Traveling to the Congressman's home district in Florida to get out the vote, Halie faces police intimidation and the troubling fact that her boyfriend is working the same turf for the Bush campaign, while Lale takes a leave of absence from the Wexler office to work on the Kerry campaign.