Ledyard King

GANNETT

Politician busted for cocaine possession eager to rejoin Congress

Radel spent 28 days in inpatient treatment program

He%27s ignored calls to step aside from Florida Gov. Rick Scott and others

WASHINGTON — Rep. Trey Radel said Friday he's eager to rejoin Congress when the new House session begins Tuesday, barely six weeks after he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor cocaine possession.

The Republican freshman from Southwest Florida already is reaching out to members and asking for face-to-face meetings in an attempt to rebuild relationships toward the goal of "having a successful year."

"Undoubtedly, the first thing I have to do is restore a lot of trust and make amends, and only then can I return to what I love doing and what I was elected to do," he said in a telephone interview.

Radel has not been on Capitol Hill since appearing before a District of Columbia Superior Court judge on Nov. 20. He later completed a 28-day inpatient treatment program at a Hazelden clinic in Naples, Fla.

"I do look forward to getting back to work with a much clearer head and positive thoughts moving forward," he said. " I am extremely sorry for the heartache and pain that I've caused personally and professionally, and I'm going to work to make that up. I intend on having a successful year."

Sounding contrite and optimistic, Radel touched on a range of issues.

He described his stay at the treatment center as "life-changing," and said he's attending church regularly again. He remains enrolled in an outpatient program in Washington, where he expects to be randomly tested for drugs and alcohol. He plans to meet with a professional counselor two to five times a week and has joined a peer counseling group that meets daily.

Radel has ignored calls to resign from key Republicans around the state, including Gov. Rick Scott. He also said he hasn't thought about re-election, even as prominent Southwest Florida Republicans, including former congressman Connie Mack IV, have signaled interest in his seat.

"That is absolutely not even a thought in my mind at all, period," he said. "I will when I feel that I am ready. Right now, the most important things for me are God and family, and with that I'm excited to get back to work to rebuild trust and continue doing the work for the people."

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