PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. -- First, Florida Sen. Mel Martinez decided to quit before his term ended, and now U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler has done the same.

That leaves us wondering, when did it become acceptable to leave the people you promised to serve before you've fulfilled your commitment?

Both served their respective parties and constituents well. Both of their early departures will put them in private-sector jobs that will likely boost their income and their families' resources. That's laudable. But they could have achieved these goals after they had fulfilled the commitment they had made.

In Wexler's case, a special election to fill his seat could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Lawmakers have a responsibility to the people who elect them and to keep their commitments until their terms in office end.

That's our take on things. Let us know what you think.