The Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) and Lee and Collier County Republicans have called on U.S. Rep. Trey Radel to resign, adding to growing demands the lawmaker step down after pleading guilty to a cocaine charge, tampabay.com reported.
RPOF Chairman Lenny Curry said in a statement: “The people of Florida’s 19th Congressional District need a Congressman who is 100 percent focused on the needs of Southwest Florida. Therefore, Congressman Radel should step down and focus his attention on rehabilitation and his family.”
A joint statement from Lee and Collier County Republican Executive Committees said, in part:
“The recent revelation of the purchase and use of illicit drugs by Congressman Radel came as a shock and disappointment not only to his constituents, but also to those who call him a friend.”
“However, these actions have violated the trust of those whom he was elected to represent and fall short of the standards for an elected official; especially a member of the United States Congress. His actions clearly disqualify the pursuit of another term and if he should run for re-election, he would not enjoy our support.”
“While the decision to complete the current term is his alone to make, we strongly encourage him to reflect on his ability to remain effective and that a return to Congress may serve only as an impediment to his recovery. We feel it is in the best interests of all involved that he resign immediately.”
After pleading guilty to cocaine possession in Washington, D.C., Radel checked into a rehab center last week.
Radel, 37, was arrested on Oct. 29 after he was caught trying to buy cocaine from an undercover officer. Subsequently, he issued a statement that said he has problems with alcohol which led to an “extremely irresponsible choice.”
Radel represents the heavily Republican southwest Florida district which stretches from Fort Myers to Naples.
[…] a Republican, who represents Florida’s 19th Congressional District, has resisted calls from GOP leaders, including Gov. Rock Scott, to resign. He says, he is looking forward to representing the people […]