Will voters forgive Congressman Trey Radel?

What does the future hold for Congressman Trey Radel?
What does the future hold for Congressman Trey Radel?

In an extensive story on POLITICO this morning their lead story had to do with Florida Congressman Trey Radel. The focus of the report had to do with the present climate of politicians and the people who vote for them. Voter convidence  is at an all time low when it comes to Congress and that could be bad news Radel.

The freshman Republican — who pleaded guilty Wednesday to cocaine possession after a federal drug sting — appears determined to fight for political survival in his solidly red district in southwest Florida, despite the scathing criticism and intense skepticism from national and local Republicans.

Radel entered a rehabilitation facility in Ft. Myers Thursday afternoon, but never raised the specter of resigning, and instead plans to take a leave of absence from Congress until the end of 2013. He isn’t setting a timetable for when he’ll check out of rehab. His camp said he’s not thinking about politics.

But the Florida Republican is calling in high-priced reinforcements. Radel is spending money out of his own pocket to hire Ron Bonjean and Brian Walsh — longtime Republican crisis communication and political hands — to help maintain his operation. His press secretary recently left for another job — a departure they say is unrelated to the cocaine bust. More…

Jim Williams is the Washington Bureau Chief, Digital Director as well as the Director of Special Projects for Genesis Communications. He is starting his third year as part of the team. This is Williams 40th year in the media business, and in that time he has served in a number of capacities. He is a seven time Emmy Award winning television producer, director, writer and executive. He has developed four regional sports networks, directed over 2,000 live sporting events including basketball, football, baseball hockey, soccer and even polo to name a few sports. Major events include three Olympic Games, two World Cups, two World Series, six NBA Playoffs, four Stanley Cup Playoffs, four NCAA Men’s National Basketball Championship Tournaments (March Madness), two Super Bowl and over a dozen college bowl games. On the entertainment side Williams was involved s and directed over 500 concerts for Showtime, Pay Per View and MTV Networks.