So how’d you spend your last 14 hours? I spent mine chasing this goddamn Robert Wexler resignation story, only to have the Miami Herald beat me to reporting that he’ll head a shell-of-its-former-self think tank called the Center for Middle East Peace and Economic Cooperation, founded on Slim-Fast money — and not become ambassador to Israel, as the early speculation I heard had it. From 6 to about 9:30 I contacted pretty much everyone I could think of and — nope. For formal comment/no-comment, the White House referred me to the State Department and the State Department referred me to the White House. LOL smiley face, LOL smiley face.

Still, there’s a ton of speculation about what drove Wexler to resign. This doesn’t really add up for me. I haven’t heard a word about scandal.  But here’s a theory in circulation about why it might actually make sense:

Wexler, with his strong ties to both the Jewish community, the Israelis and the Obama administration, might be part of an inside-outside game by the administration. Wexler, who earlier this month implored the Obama administration to spend more time reaching out to an Israeli public that is quickly souring on him for demanding a settlement freeze in the West Bank, might be able to vouch for Obama to the Israelis and pass messages as a back channel. The Center’s strategic adviser is Avi Gil, a longtime adviser to Israeli President Shimon Peres. And with Wexler’s ability to raise money and solid connections to Israel, the theory goes, he’s well-positioned to help Obama with a constituency the president will need for his peacemaking efforts that’s slipping away. “Wexler’s a great guy to make the case to the Israelis about why an Obama led peace effort is good for them,” said one Israel lobbyist who preferred not to speak on the record ahead of Wexler’s 10 a.m. Florida press conference. Could the Center be a platform for that effort? “I’m sure they could,” as its remaining staffers are “very well-connected.”

I don’t know about this, but it’s the best explanation I’ve heard so far.