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Now that U.S. Rep. Trey Radel has checked himself into a rehab facility following his guilty plea of cocaine possession, some wonder how the freshman congressman from Fort Myers can govern effectively.
There's growing speculation about challengers for his seat should he resign. At the least, Radel will face serious challenges if the incumbent runs again in 2014, as he plans to.
Just a few weeks ago, Radel seemed like a sure shot at remaining in office. Radel defeated five other Republicans vying for the seat vacated by Connie Mack in the primaries in August 2012. They included former state representatives Gary Aubuchon and Paige Kreegel, as well as Chauncey Goss, Byron Donalds and Joe Davidow. Radel went on to defeat Democrat Jim Roach in the general election in November 2012.
Now that Radel has been politically wounded, you can bet that some or all of these candidates will be back in the running. Still, the seat will probably stay in the R column despite Radel's admission because it's unlikely a Democrat could win in conservative Southwest Florida.
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