This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25099031

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Trey Radel: Florida Republicans urge cocaine congressman to quit Trey Radel: Florida Republicans urge cocaine congressman to quit
(about 20 hours later)
The Republican Party of Florida is calling on disgraced congressman Trey Radel to "resign immediately" after his conviction for cocaine possession.The Republican Party of Florida is calling on disgraced congressman Trey Radel to "resign immediately" after his conviction for cocaine possession.
Chairman Lenny Curry released a statement saying that the 37-year-old should quit and "focus his attention on rehabilitation and his family".Chairman Lenny Curry released a statement saying that the 37-year-old should quit and "focus his attention on rehabilitation and his family".
The father-of-one was given a year's probation last week at a Washington DC court. Radel's aide said the representative, who has a taken leave of absence, would return to work as soon as possible.
He won election easily last year with the support of Tea Party activists.He won election easily last year with the support of Tea Party activists.
But after last Wednesday's conviction, he was accused of hypocrisy as it was pointed out that he had recently voted for a bill containing a measure that mandated drug tests for poor Americans who apply for food aid. But after last Wednesday's conviction in Washington DC, he was accused of hypocrisy as it was pointed out that he had recently voted for a bill containing a measure that mandated drug tests for poor Americans who apply for food aid.
The representative blamed his mistake on a personal struggle with alcoholism and substance abuse. The father-of-one, who was given a year's probation, blamed his mistake on a personal struggle with alcoholism and substance abuse. He also pledged to donate some of his salary to charity.
He has taken a leave of absence, pledging to donate some of his salary to charity. But on Tuesday, Florida Governor Rick Scott joined the growing number of Republican leaders in the state who have urged Radel to step down.
But his apparent contrition has not pacified his Republican colleagues. He spoke out a day after the state's party said in a statement: "We feel it is in the best interests of all involved that he [Radel] resign immediately."
"His actions clearly disqualify the pursuit of another term and if he should run for re-election, he would not enjoy our support," the Florida Republicans said on Monday, in a statement quoted by the Miami Herald. Radel's aide, however, did not give any sign that the embattled politician would bow to pressure.
"We feel it is in the best interests of all involved that he resign immediately." Spokesman Dave Natonski wrote on Tuesday in an email to the Associated Press news agency that the representative's "top priority right now is to complete his rehabilitation and then return to work as soon as possible".
Radel admitted buying 3.5g (0.12oz) of cocaine from an undercover agent on 29 October in Washington DC.Radel admitted buying 3.5g (0.12oz) of cocaine from an undercover agent on 29 October in Washington DC.
After the $250 (£155) changed hands, officers swooped and he dropped the drugs.