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 Chairman Lenny Curry joined a growing number of Republican leaders
from Radel's district demanding his resignation.
"The people of Florida's 19th Congressional District need a
Congressman who is 100 percent focused on the needs of Southwest
Florida," Curry said in a news release. "Therefore, Congressman
Radel should step down and focus his attention on rehabilitation and
his family."
Radel pleaded guilty to cocaine possession last week, acknowledging
that he purchased 3.5 grams of cocaine last month from an undercover
police officer. He has since taken a leave of absence and checked
himself into a rehabilitation facility.
As part of a plea agreement, Radel admitted he agreed to buy the
cocaine for $250 in a Washington neighborhood on Oct. 29. After the
undercover officer gave Radel the drugs, federal agents confronted
him, court documents show. Radel agreed to talk with the agents and
invited them to his apartment, where he also retrieved a vial of
cocaine he had in the home, the documents said.
The Collier County Republican Executive Committee also called on
Radel to leave office Monday, stating the group would not support
him in future elections.
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"While the decision to complete the current term is his alone to
make, we strongly encourage him to reflect on his ability to remain
effective and that a return to Congress may serve only as an
impediment to his recovery," Chairman Mike Lyster said in a release.
"We feel it is in the best interests of all involved that he resign
immediately."
Radel spokeswoman Amanda Nunez did not return a telephone phone call
Monday night seeking comment. During his hearing last week, Radel
said he wanted to "continue serving this country."
[Associated
Press]
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