Cocaine bust derails fledgling GOP congressman

Copied

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.