Back before he got pinched for cocaine possession, Rep. Trey Radel would light up his various social media channels several times a day with snarky observations, behind-the-congressional-scenes videos and quirky selfies.
These days, his mind appears to be elsewhere.
Having recently returned to Congress after a brief stint in rehab, the Florida Republican has pretty much clammed up across the board. He has not shared anything on Facebook since blasting out his combo mea culpa/back-to-work statement on Dec. 29.
And Radel’s once robust Twitter feed boasts just three posts since a Dupont Circle drug buy blew up in his face back in November.
Radel’s office declined to comment on whether the radio silence is a mandatory part of his ongoing recovery program or a self-imposed moratorium. Regardless, the communication clampdown must be killing a guy who became a media darling via online antics such as:
.@SkyMall U retweeted me. That’s why I love u. U remind me of me. I take what I do seriously but do NOT take myself seriously. #treyonplane
— Rep. Trey Radel (@treyradel) October 25, 2013
Think he can get u a beer? #treyonplane pic.twitter.com/J0U0wmI2cE
— Rep. Trey Radel (@treyradel) July 25, 2013
7/25/13, 38 tweets: more loopy product reviews on a travel day
Thankfully have wifi to take my mind off the fact this plane is shaking more than Miley Cyrus twerks.
— Rep. Trey Radel (@treyradel) October 22, 2013
10/22/13, 29 tweets: sustained anti-Affordable Care Act assault sprinkled with just a hint of classic hip-hop and pop culture references
Prob my favorite. Sun setting on beautiful day in #DC. Here’s the result. #treydome pic.twitter.com/5HQR5msNZR
— Rep. Trey Radel (@treyradel) October 28, 2013
10/28/13, 22 tweets: bringing the whole world along on a Capitol Dome tour; tagged with #treydome
Just handed this. Proposed resolution. #Syria pic.twitter.com/tRIAzFaZh8
— Rep. Trey Radel (@treyradel) September 4, 2013
9/4/13, 20 tweets: studying up on foreign policy during the House debates on Syria
We suspect only time will tell (or perhaps the proper authorities?) if Radel will ever overcome this sudden shyness.
