Congressman Trey Radel is on a leave of absence while in rehab, after feds busted him in a cocaine sting. (Via U.S. Congress, WJLA)
But while he says he's focusing on his recovery, he continues to lose support in his home state of Florida.
Fort Meyer's WZVN calls it a recent "ground swell" — the state's Republican party chair as well as two county party chairs have publicly called for the freshman rep's resignation.
Radel faces the decision to run for reelection in 2014 — and while he hasn't explicitly said whether he will, state party leaders say he won't get their support. (Via CNN)
— which Politico's Jake Sherman predicts "will likely pressure on Radel to resign, and certainly heighten the possibility he will be unseated in November."
National party leaders in Congress, on the other hand, have said little. House Speaker John Boehner had called it a decision for Radel and his constituents. (Via YouTube / John Boehner)
Federal authorities say Radel agreed to buy cocaine for $250 in late October from an undercover officer. The congressman has apologized and said in a statement that he struggles with alcoholism, which led to the quote "extremely irresponsible choice." (Via ABC)
No response from the congressman to the recent pressure to resign — but in a hearing last week he did say he hoped to "continue serving this country."
