NAPLES, Fla., Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Rep. Trey Radel, R-Fla., gave the strongest indication yet that he won't resign despite pleading guilty to possessing cocaine and seeking addiction treatment.
After leaving a drug rehabilitation center in Naples, Fla., Radel said he was grappling with what he said was a problem with alcohol, but also said he loved representing his constituents in Washington, Politico reported Thursday.
"I'm excited to begin this process of rebuilding your trust and doing what you elected me to do," Radel said at the news conference.
He said he has no plans to step down from his seat, but that "politics and re-election are the last thing on my mind right now," NBC News reported.
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In a statement issued Thursday, Radel said he realizes "the disappointment my family, friends and constituents must feel. Believe me, I am disappointed in myself, and I stand ready to face the consequences of my actions."
But the event can have a positive side, he said.
"It offers me an opportunity to seek treatment and counseling," Radel said in his statement. "I know I have a problem and will do whatever is necessary to overcome it, hopefully setting an example for others struggling with this disease."
During the news conference, Radel declined to offer details about his cocaine use or why he waited a month between getting caught buying cocaine from an undercover federal agent in October and revealing his drug use to the public.
Radel, who said he used cocaine a "handful" of times, said he wasn't with any other congressional members when he was caught buying cocaine and that elected officials should submit to drug tests.
Speaking at a podium with his wife by his side, Radel said that he would attend daily addiction meetings and reconnect with his "spiritual side."
"Alcohol does not work for me," Radel said. "It was selfishly fun, but it became a problem when it led to poor choices and more than that missed opportunities."
The House Ethics Committee said it would investigate the incident.
Political observers have expressed doubt that Radel would survive the incident. Republicans leaders in Florida have called on him to resign. Several local Republicans also have expressed interest in running in the conservative southwest Florida district.
