Republican Florida Rep. Trey Radel has been charged with misdemeanor cocaine possession in Washington, D.C. A newly elected Tea Party Republican, Radel issued a contrite statement that he has struggled with alcohol and that his alcoholism led to “an extremely irresponsible choice.” UPDATE: Radel has pleaded guilty and received a one year probation sentence.
Radel is a former television reporter and conservative radio host.
This is not his first controversy in a relatively short political career. During the campaign, it was discovered that his campaign committee “Friends of Trey Radel, Inc.” had purchased his opponents’ domain names. Radel first denied playing a role in the subterfuge and blamed staff. He then later admitted it was his doing. His campaign then created misleading websites to highlight negative aspects of his opponents’ voting records. He is described as a Tea Party favorite and was endorsed by both Connie Mack and Rudy Giuliani.
The criminal charge is relatively minor with a potential for 180 days of imprisonment and/or a fine of $1,000. Do you think that Radel’s position should be considered in the sentence? Any jail time for the tough-on-crime Tea Party candidate would come at a heavy personal and political cost.
Radel recently called for President Obama’s impeachment, stressing that his actions must have consequences: ““It is one of those times in our history, we are at this breaking point. We have completely lost our checks and balances in this country, the Congress needs to hold the president accountable for the decisions that he’s making right now, and that why again, I would say that all options should be on the table.”
The question is what the “breaking point” may be for the Tea Party and its supporters in Florida.
Jacob Carpenter’s (Naple’s Daily News) tweets in descending sequence (most recent tweets first):
• Jacob Carpenter @NDN_JCarpenter 3m
Radel checked on a reporter who fell. The few times I met him, he always seemed courteous, never got a malicious feeling. Or that’s good PR.
Surreal scene as pack of media chase Trey Radel down 3 flights of stairs as he’s whisked into car. I couldn’t hear him say anything.
Trey Radel in court: “I apologize for what I’ve done. I think in life I’ve hit a bottom where I realize I need help.”
Trey Radel also admitted to having coke in his DC home. Handed over a vial to investigators, prosecutor said.
Prosecutor said Trey Radel bought $250 worth of coke from undercover. Informant said Radel had used several times.
Defense for Trey Radel asked for 6 months probation. Prosecutor deferred to court. Judge said probation “typical” in these cases.
Rep. Trey Radel: wants to “be a better man, a better husband and to continue serving this country.”
Radel says he’s “so sorry to be here.” Says he has entered treatment in DC and plans to seek treatment in SWFL.
End of tweets.
Annie,
I agree and hope people will write his office demanding he stop demanding SNAP recipients get drug tests. He should also push to legalize marijuana.
Anon Posted,
The disparity of treatment for offenses is appalling. Why doesn’t he lose his and his family’s benefits for taking drugs if that is what he wants for poor people?
Didn’t Eric Cantor recently issue a zero tolerance proclamation for Republicans when it comes to lawmakers and ethical/legal transgressions? I have a hunch Cantor’s words will fall under the heading of do as I do, not as I say….
Jacob Carpenter @NDN_JCarpenter 14m
BREAKING: U.S. Rep. Trey Radel pleads guilty to cocaine possession, receives 1 year probation, no jail time. @ndn
He wants SNAP recipients drug tested? He was against the legalization of marijuana. He should be kicked out of office for monumental hypocrisy alone, or for sounding all too similar to the Toronto mayor, “alcohol made me do cocaine”.
A consummate politician in a currently prominent ignorance generating group. He is a climate change denier.
Teabaggism tends not to attract the best and brightest. More like the loudest and loudest. We saw that right from the start when Teabaggers attacked town hall meetings leading to the 2010 mid-terms. Yes, I do mean attacked. This lout is hardly the first Teabagger exposed as nothing but a loud attack dog.
I like the way you think randyjet
RTC,
Saw this yesterday:
“Radel also voted for a House bill that would have required all recipients of SNAP (known more widely as food stamps) to undergo drug testing.”
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/11/19/2971381/trey-radel-cocaine/
Excerpt:
“Radel’s views aren’t all about dealing with drug issues comprehensively, though. He reportedly said he opposed legalizing marijuana in a debate back in April.
But Radel can surely appreciate the importance of the nuance on drug policy as it exists now. He is lucky he was not arrested on cocaine possession in Florida, as one Miami Herald reporter pointed out, where it’s a felony. That would have cost him his right to vote. “
Personally, I think it is time to just legalize ALL drugs…..
Every country that has done this, has reported a DECREASE
in drug addiction and abuse….
It would make more money by taxing the drugs…..
and save more money from not having to incarcerate people
on drug charges….. and it would take the TEETH out of the major
Drug Cartells…..
Alcohol is just as bad as any of the other drugs and just as additive….
and fact is…. if they made Cocaine legal, it would not mean
that everybody would go out and become addicted….
I am just sick of seeing peoples lives ruined over drugs….
Look. Florida is a drug haven. This guy is a product from whence he came. Snort a little, artFay a little, smoke tobacco, stink up the hallways with Boehner while out there smoking and talking about obumbo. Its all in the line of work. And all work and no play does not keep the doctor away. So lay off of him and let him nuzzle up to Boner and get his constituents what they deserve. But one thing he ought to do is renounce free medical care provided to all Congressmen and women. The rest of us should not pay for his obumbocare. No sir. Particularly for a guy who calls his President: Obumbo. Yep, that is what he was saying out there when he was high on crack and yakking up his voters. We just don’t care. Let em stay. Florida needs a man like this.
Anthony Wiener and Eliot Spitzer had to resign for what? If he was Black, didn’t have money or was liberal he’d be seeing jail time. This guy will probably fund raise his legal bills.
Jacob Carpenter: “General assignment reporter for the Naples Daily News.”
Covering this morning’s court appearance/hearing:
https://twitter.com/NDN_JCarpenter
In this case, since the Rep is a staunch law and order man, I think that his statements and his position should be taken into account to determine his sentence. Give him the max to actually do some work for a change. Ship him to Sheriff Joe in AZ, and he can listen to conservative talk radio to help him in his rehab as he works on the chain gang.
He’ll probably vote against legalizing medical marijuana in Florida, because that’s what these people do…
Must have happened during a drunken stupor.
Alcoholism and cocaine addiction explains a lot. Wonder where he stood on mandatory drug testing for aid recipients? How drug testing the rest of the Tea Baggers. How about drug testing the all those who vote for them.
He should resign. And then run for Mayor of D.C.
I am wondering if Connie Mack is related to Freddie Mac. His conduct should subject him to impeachment. Pee Party Pot, Pee Party Cold, Pee Party in the Pot Nine Days Old. Koch Brothers support Cocaine. But, his constituents get what they paid for and bought into the likes of the Koch Brothers who paid for him. So, he should stay in office and keep on snorting.
Glass houses? 180 days in D.C. Jail would give him a whole new perspective on life. Yes Sireee!