Rep. Radel Resigns; Pleaded Guilty To Cocaine Possession

By Mark Memmott

Published January 27, 2014 at 8:24 AM CST

Update at 1:55 p.m. ET. Letter Sent To Boehner:

Republican Rep. Henry "Trey" Radel of Florida, Politico writes, "sent a letter on Monday to Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, announcing his resignation, saying it 'is my belief that professionally I cannot fully and effectively serve as a United States Representative to the place I love and call home, Southwest Florida.' He said that 2014 has already 'been tremendously positive as I focus on my health, family and faith.' His resignation is effective Monday at 6:30 p.m."

Our original post picks up the story:

Republican Rep. Henry "Trey" Radel of Florida is going to announce Monday that he is resigning from his seat, the congressman's chief of staff tells the News-Press of Fort Myers and The Hill.

Last November, Radel pleaded guilty to misdemeanor cocaine possession. He had been charged with buying $260 worth of the drug from an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration agent.

The freshman congressman was sentenced to one year of supervised probation and fined $250. Radel also agreed to enter a rehab program. He apologized to his family and constituents, and took a leave of absence from Congress. Radel returned to work earlier this month.

As NBC News notes, "Radel's political fortunes ... suffered as a result of the arrest. The Republican Party of Florida had called for the congressman to step down shortly after his arrest, and Radel had drawn a primary challenger in his bid for re-election to his Republican-leaning seat in the House."

Florida's 19th District, which Radel has served, is considered a "safe Republican seat," as the National Journal says. It adds that even before Radel's decision to step aside, jockeying had begun within the GOP among potential successors:

"Allies of two potential successors" have been "sniping over the airwaves and in the press. And that's even before former Republican Rep. Connie Mack, who could try a comeback, has made his intentions known."