Trey Radel has become the latest face of congressional hypocrisy.

The freshman Republican from Florida was caught purchasing cocaine in a federal drug sting. It’s a misdemeanor offense, which means he’ll get off with a slap on the wrist, a fine, probation and maybe some community service.

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/190862-report-radel-caught-buying-cocaine-in-federal-sting-operation

Why is he a hypocrite?

Radel, who was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012, has advocated drug testing for Americans seeking government assistance. It’s a popular cause among tea party Republicans seeking to build in some form of accountability for those seeking help from the government. They contend that recipient of government aid must behave themselves if they’re going to ask their fellow Americans to subsidize their standard of living.

Now the guy gets caught buying some blow in a drug sting.

Do as I say, not as I do … correct, congressman?

I’m glad he’s so contrite. He said he’s battling alcoholism and that he succumbed to temptation. Radel is vowing to get counseling and treatment. I wish him and his family well.

He’s not the first lawmaker to get caught in an act of hypocrisy. He won’t be the last. My advice to the young man, though, would be to pick his public policy battles more carefully.

He will have a hard time as it is shaking the hypocrite label.