Republican Party Of Florida Calls For Trey Radel Resignation

The Republican Party of Florida on Monday called for the resignation of Rep. Trey Radel (R-Fla.) , who was sentenced last week for cocaine possession.

"The people of Floridas 19th Congressional District need a Congressman who is 100 percent focused on the needs of Southwest Florida," state GOP chairman Lenny Curry said in a statement. "Therefore, Congressman Radel should step down and focus his attention on rehabilitation and his family.

Radel took a leave of absence and checked into a rehabilitation facility last week after he was sentenced in Washington to one year on probation for cocaine possession.

Radel, sworn into office just 10 months ago, had been celebrated as a tea party favorite . Among other things, he favored drug tests for food stamp recipients.

Terry Miller, chairman of the Lee County, Fla., GOP, told The Associated Press of his disappointment following Radel's sentencing.

"We thought we had an up-and-coming star in the party," Miller said.