Trey Radel deserves a pat on the back today for doing the right thing.

The Florida Republican congressman is going to announce his resignation from the House of Representatives after he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor cocaine possession charge.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2014/01/27/trey_radel_to_resign_house_seat_121366.html

If only other allegedly high-minded public servants would be so noble.

Radel had to go. The state’s Republican establishment had deserted him. Others were lining up to run for his safely Republican seat, including the guy he succeeded in the House, former Rep. Connie Mack.

Why is this an important resignation? Because some Americans — me included — want our elected representatives to represent the best in us. Radel got caught possessing cocaine, a serious drug that has been known to kill those who use it. He sits in a body that makes laws to punish people severely for using this illegal substance. Therefore, Trey Radel no longer could in good conscience continue to serve in that body.

I don’t subscribe to the idea that we should elect saints to public office. Those who take an oath to honor and defend the Constitution, though, should have clean hands.

Radel’s hands got very dirty.

Other members of Congress haven’t been so noble. They’ve hung on to their seats while they fight criminal charges. Others manage to embarrass their constituents, not to mention their families with their roguish, boorish and occasionally illegal behavior.

I’ll give Rep. Radel praise for doing what he had to do by stepping away from the public arena.