Congressman Trey Radel addresses the media at his office in Cape Coral on Wednesday night Nov. 20, 2013. Earlier on Wednesday, Radel plead guilty to misdemeanor cocaine possession, receiving a 1-year probation sentence. (AP Photo/Naples Daily News, Scott McIntyre)
Congressman Drug Possession
The front page of The News-Press shows a photo of Florida Republican Rep. Henry “Trey” Radel with the headline, Radel to take leave, asks for forgiveness, at a newsstand in downtown Fort Myers, Fla., Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013. Rep. Henry “Trey” Radel said Wednesday he was taking a leave of absence from Congress and donating his salary to charity after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of cocaine possession and receiving a sentence of a year’s probation. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
Congressman Drug Possession
Carolyn White, left, and Eleise Pacquette, right, both registered Democrats of Lee County, cross the street in downtown Fort Myers, Fla., Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013. White stated Florida Republican Rep. Henry “Trey” Radel should be given a another chance and her friend Pacquette says Radel should resign. Rep. Radel said Wednesday he was taking a leave of absence from Congress and donating his salary to charity after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of cocaine possession and receiving a sentence of a year’s probation. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
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FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — From the outset, U.S. Rep. Trey Radel has been a darling of the political right determined to make a name for himself. But just 10 months after being sworn in, the Republican pleaded guilty to cocaine possession, took a leave of absence from politics and checked into a rehabilitation center.
It was his cocaine purchase from an undercover officer last month that caused it all to unravel. He became the first sitting member of Congress charged with a drug offense in more than three decades.
The unseemly distinction has derailed a promising career and divided his Florida district, a quiet stretch of golf courses and retirement communities. Newspapers and a growing number of Republican leaders are demanding his resignation, and potential challengers are openly weighing primary bids.
