This is going to be my final comment on the troubles of Trey Radel … unless he messes up again.

The freshman Republican congressman from Florida has entered a guilty plea to possessing cocaine and has announced he will take a leave of absence from his office.

http://www.politico.com/story/2013/11/trey-radel-leave-of-absence-congress-cocaine-100183.html?hp=t1_3

Radel is going to enter rehabilitation for drug and alcohol abuse. “This is my wakeup call,” Radel said, offering no excuses for his bad behavior. He got caught trying to purchase cocaine in a federal drug sting. He blamed his crime on his addiction to booze, from which he reportedly is recovering.

He needs to some serious counseling and rehab to shake the addiction.

It’s worth asking: Is he going to get paid while he’s off the clock? I suspect so, just as a lot of lawmakers who take leave of their office for one reason or another continue to receive their six-figure salary. Personally, I don’t think it’s right for him to take the money. That’s not my call, obviously. I’m not even a constituent of his; frankly, I hadn’t even heard of the guy until he got caught trying to purchase the drugs.

Having said all that, I do wish the young man well. He’s embarrassed his family and tarnished his reputation. Get well, congressman. Come back and, for crying out, behave yourself. You’ve called for drug testing for those seeking government aid. It’s time to lead by example.