If U.S. Congressman Robert Wexler, D-Boca Raton, is re-elected and Barack Obama becomes president, Wexler could enjoy more influence in an Obama administration than the average member of Congress.

Wexler's Broward-Palm Beach counties district has more Democrats than the combined total of Republicans and Independents. But he faces aggressive challenges from Republican Ed Lynch and Democrat-turned-Independent Ben Graber.

"By this endorsement of Obama very early, he has really positioned himself strongly," said Robert Watson, director of American studies at Lynn University in Boca Raton. Watson is an Obama supporter.

In Congress or as part of the administration, Watson said, "You've got to figure that Robert Wexler is going to be a key guy for Obama."

WEXLER AT THE DNC