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…