Republican party officials have distanced themselves from Rep. Trey Radel (R-Fla.) after his recent arrest on cocaine charges. Politico reports that Florida GOP chair Lenny Curry has now joined other party leaders in calling for Radel to resign.
Radel, an outspoken conservative talk-show host turned politician, is currently taking a leave of absence to sort out legal and personal issues stemming from his October arrest.
He was caught buying cocaine from an undercover officer as part of a federal sting. Radel blames alcohol addiction for his decision to purchase illegal drugs.
"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," Lenny Curry said in an official statement reported by Politico.
Earlier, Lee County and Collier County GOP leaders said "Radel's actions have violated the trust of those whom he was elected to represent and fall short of the standards for an elected official. His actions clearly disqualify the pursuit of another term and if he should run for re-election, he would not enjoy our support."
However, a Radel spokesperson told an area newspaper that the congressman intends to resume his term after getting treatment.
"Congressman Radel's top priority right now is to complete his rehabilitation and then return to work as soon as possible," his camp told the Naples Daily News.
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