CNN

I'll paint his portrait for half that price. It'll make everyone happy. What, not cheap enough.. Ok, 1/4 the price. $15k and that's with a frame.
gabrielutasi.com

$60,000 for a portrait. When campaign
funds are used in this manner it is a slap in every conributor's face. This Democrat is another over the hill DC employee that should retire.

On a number of occasions on this blog I have defended CNN from charges of bias. Now, for the first time I’m beginning to doubt CNN’s journalistic integrity.

There are a number of possible explanations for the lack of “comment” links on the Ticker for the last couple of days.

CNN’s refusal to explain this situation as either a technical difficulty or a change of policy is unprofessional and rude.

CNN’s deletion of comments on this policy is cowardice and unethical journalism.

To the person who’s going to delete this: Is this why you went to J-School?

Classic "do as I say, not as I do" move by a Dem. Pretty sure the media hungry Rangel will stay quiet on this one...Probably sharpton and j jackson too...

Maybe these politicians wouldn't act like little gods if their constituents had the brains to vote them out before their egos expanded.

ARE THEY SERIOUS!??!? We have deadly diseases killing people by the min and no cures, and we have AMERICANS living on the streets and homeless! WAKE UP PEOPLE! NOBODY needs to spend that much $$$ on a picture when there are a million more important things that $$$ could be used for!!!

A good digital photograph can be blown up to poster size and put in a good frame. It would be a better likeness than any portrait. A good frame might cost a hundred bucks. This is how our government should be thinking: thrift, conservation, economy, a penny saved is a penny earned.

A restaurant hostess making 7 bucks an hour would have to work 4 years and 5 months to pay for that portrait - assuming she paid no taxes.

Ridiculous as he is.

I really believe that is time for the American people to reassess the choices that we make as to who should be awarded the priviledge of representing us. If the people of New York think that this is a worthwhile display of how their campaign contributions should be spent, then they definitely deserve Rep. Rangel.

yet another way to rip off the tax payer, that man should be impeached or just voted out. For sure he lost my vote. i've seen unique collected artists work for less than 5000. why not use a normal artist. why support already famous and rich artists??? artists, normally democrats, wouldn't you want to think your vote again, before dishing it out to all thse crooks!!!

You can't deny him his right to a $64K portrait or else he'll call you a racist.

Ahhh Government waste. Don't you love it!

Official portraits of elected officials are an important part of our heritage and history. This is an important tradition that should be kept alive. The price is a standard price for a work of art by a qualified artist. What's the problem?

No argument from the left on this one, folks. I agree with everybody else.

This is wasteful, offensive and sadly typical Washington D.C., where $65K (twice my salary as a community college professor) is small change.

I'm gathering from some of the comments that many of you don't understand why Rangel has made calls to reintroduce the draft. It's so that when a nation goes to war, everyone pays for it, not just the poor and lower-middle class. People like Pat Tillman aren't the norm for a volunteer military.

The millions of starving people in our world. The number of Katrina Victims without homes. The number of sick children around the world. The number of children with aids. The Dafur disaster. The Iraquis left homeless. The US military lacking proper equipment. Etc ETc Etc I could list another page of worthy causes throughout the world.

And this man wants $64,500 to hang a framed photo of himself. He gives Vanity a whole new meaning!

Utterly Disgusting. Nuff Said. If the
NY Democrats bite on this one they can Kiss the White House Good Bye!

Are we full of ourself or what? What a disgrace. These officials are elected to represent the people in their states and the country as a whole. If they cared as much about their sworn duty as their vanity and ego this country would be better off. What a waste of taxpayers money. I think it is high time the national elected officials start thinking of the country and not themselves.

Let him answer to his donors and constituents. My representative, to whom I would gladly donate, would never dream of such a thing. Something is rotten in the state of New York. Just goes to show you incredible arrogance is not the exclusive domain of Republicans. Shame on Rangel for eating cake while people starve.

While I am concerned about the expense of such a portrait, I am wondering how much was spent on the portrait of the last Republican to hold this Chairmanship...

I could really care less about this, but some of you seem to misunderstand that this isn't your tax money, it's campaign donations. Let his supporters complain if they want.

Portraits are expensive and portraits have traditionally been painted of many leading politicians. This isn't much of a shock. Are we suddenly going to cease the tradition of doing portraits and require that all politicians get photos taken?

For all of you making the Katrina comments, for perspective, look at what the costs to operate Air Force One are. Like any other Boening 747, it burns more than $6,000 in fuel/hour. Now add in the flight crew, etc. Don't even include the base $650 million for the 2 planes, as that's a sunk cost. Now, how many times has Bush come down to get PR boosts on the nation's dollar, 25?

Maybe he should have stayed at home in DC, or better yet, Crawford, and donated all of that money to Katrina.

The fact is that no matter what the issue, someone's going to think that too much money is being spent because everyone has different priorities. If we actually wanted to end a lot of human suffering out there, we have the means, but as a society, we've determined that the cost outweighs the benefits. The next time that you go to a sporting event to support $10 million salaries or buy a bigger TV, just remember, you're egotistical and should have spent that money helping someone else and not on yourself.

I paint portraits. I'll paint his for free just to get the publicity. Has he already chosen the artist? If so, who is it?

I actually liked Rangel until I read this. He was a democrat that was for a draft, he stood up for Bush when Chavez came to the US and publically trashed him. I thought he was a classy guy because of this. In defense of him this is his own money, this isn't tax payer money; however, it just doesn't seem right. The good thing in America is that you can blow as much money as you want, on whatever you want, but in return we get to read about it and vote you out of office if we find it distasteful.

Cut him a break...he asked permission. In addition the money is going towards a portrait not into his pockets. Companies and individuals who perform services for the government always overcharge.

He pays this much for a portrait, and thinks the draft is the best thing ever to happen. Maybe he should read the constitution.

My goodness–of cousre it would be best if he had to spend a large number of hours just sitting for the artist–that would keep him too busy to introduce yet ANOTHER bill calling for a full draft!

I sure wish he would send some of that money down here for us..

If this is an example of his poor spending judgements, just image what he's been doing with our tax money as the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. Not fixing bridges or rebuilding New Orleans, that's for sure..

I guess I was somewhat angered, at first, when I read this. But then I realized I don't care too much as it is only campaign donation money–let the buffoons that supported this idiot pay the price (literally)–they deserve it.

Chairman of Way and Means should use a framed photograph to demonstrate responsible savings of taxpayer's funds.

Put it to a vote in your poor district and see if they would just as soon have a Polaroid snapshot?

Do we care what you look like in 3/4 length???

Hardly good timing, Chucky. Two-thirds of Americans disapprove of the way you and your colleagues are doing your job and spending their money. I hope the good citizens of New York appreciate this gesture come election time.

This is insane! Why can we not make overpaid 'public servants', pay for their own ego induced excesses.

Give me a break folks. As long as it is not tax payer money, who cares.

I think this is ridiculous. Spending this type of money on things so frivolous and non important when you have so much poverty and homelessness in the city/state of New York.May I suggest a city/statewide contest for very talented, struggling, up and coming artists at one third to half the cost?

You've got to be kidding! I realize most politicians have an over-inflated image of themself and their position, but this is hubris on a "Bushian" level. God help us all.

Here we go. At this rate, the House Post Office will be up and running before next year's election!

$67k? Give me 3k and I could produce a better picture with Photoshop! When are the American people going to wake up and realize that politicians do not allocate funds to good causes, only to themselves!!

So much for wanting to be in government for the 'good' of the people. So much for government 'of the people, by the people, and for the people'. Another shameful example of the self-absorbtion that is rampant in Washington D.C.

Power corrupts!

Doesn't this kind of spending even embarrase Rangel and others given all the financial issues in America?

And wasn't the Democrats ushered into office with idea of bringing in fresh ideas and eliminating excesses.

ahhh once in office... greed.

Rangel you should be ashamed of yourself.

he's not satisfied with the free 3"x3" portrait the AP just gave him? i've been alive for 35 years and have not spent $64000 total in my life... must be nice

What a waste of money.

What an arrogant, pompous thing to do...Get a digital camera, take a picture and put that "extra" campaign money into programs that are actually worthwhile...

It would take me two years to earn enough for one portrait of Rangel. Yet another example of the politicians in DC being so out of touch with regular people.

Did you hear, CNN is coming out with a gossip rag in a month.

CNN STARS!!!

First issue special edition cover story, why we support Clinton's regardless!

For some reason, my post was removed on this story. all it contained was the statement that there are still starving and homeless people in new orleans from katrina, and i encouraged this joke of a politician to keep wasting money on extravagance. a deplorable act. yep, i would have removed it too, those kinds of words pose a threat to our safety, i mean investors.

Politicians spend money on crap like this and we wonder why our large government can't fix the roads, social security, or anything else for that matter.

Of course this picture will eventually need to be changed so more money will get thrown away by someone else down the road.

Where is my $64,000 to get a nice pristine portrait of my family? Politicians can say what they want, there all a bunch of lousy good for nothing bums

This type of arrogant entitlement by elected officials of both parties is about 99% of the problem with our government.

"Hey, as long as we have hundreds of billions in deficits every year and a national debt in the trillions, what's 60 grand and change to stroke my ego? Never mind all the essential services the government isn't delivering effectively, despite the tax and debt burden we impose on the peasantry. Let's focus on what really counts. Me."

Vote 'em out, regardless of party, until we get officials who are responsive to their duties and the people they allegedly represent.

This pig(Lord of the Flies) is an embarasment to his country. If this is the way our politicians prioritize their funds, no wonder we are charging money to our grandchildren.

this is another way to see Porker's of the month in action.... is he a divine being, immortalizing himself...
this is a waste of government money...
i'll paint his portrait for 1/3 that cost.

What a waste of money. I'm sure there are better things it can be used for. What a concieted man.

This is shameful, elitist, and egotistical. If he want's to leave monuments to himself, he should pay for them out of his own (deep) pockets.

I doubt the poor in his district were the ones who contributed anything to his campaign... so I don't see that being a very on-point criticism by "corruptuser"

Not that it's not a silly amount of money so some dude no one has heard of can get a painting made. At least it's not taxpayer money... so I can't complain!

He's another self appointed, more important than anyone else, politician who had a big head when it comes to spending tax payer's money.

Democrat or Republican, they are all the same when it comes to their egos.

I sure that money could be spent better...maybe to better the community or help endanger species. Any thing would be better the putting his ugly face up on a wall.

Is there no issue more pressing than the quality of ones own likeness? I guess the cost of narcissism went up.

A picture would look a lot more accurate and would cost a lot less.

Take a picture of the guy and hang it.

You know I'm a Democrat and reading this really upsets me. Why do people in our party want to do somenthing that is such a flagrant waste of money. This makes all politicians and Democrats in particular look bad. I tried to send him an email directly but couldn't find his email. All in all I've always like Mr. Rangel. I wish he would wise up with this one. And don't get me started with John Edwards asking American to sacrifice their SUVs (and I think they should) when he lives in that monster of a home. Don't preach simple living unless your doing it yourself.

Take a photo and blow it up!(increse the size )

I'm a Democrat and I think this is one of the most ridiculously wasteful things I've ever heard. It befuddles me to think what good that amount of money could be used for. hey Charlie, I'll take your picture with my digital camera and print you an 8 x 10 on photo paper for free if you'll donate that money to a food bank.

The painting might be $65,000., but he himself is a worthless fool with absolutely no true character whatsoever. what an egoist and complete jerk.

Take a picture or pay for it yourself. Return campaign money to donors or give to needy. Get real, who really cares if his picture hangs in the gallery? Again, if it is so special to him, let him pay for it!

This idea is totally absurd. How could Rep. Rangel even consider such a thing.

Why do politicians have such large egos that would lead them to believe this is even close to alright?

He could step up and make a statement by not putting up any portrait, much less a $64,500 one. Please Rep Rangel, set an example for all others.

If not, how about just a nice 8×10 photograph?

A true champion on the down trodden

I can't help but wonder which group is made up of more narcissists...our celebrities or politicians.

Absolutely disgraceful.

Now if we were talking about a Republican it would be worth sacrificing troop or Humvee armor or medical care; you know how they REALLY support the troops.

The arrogance of people elected to office is amazing. Me, me, me, me, me. All hail to the wonderful me.

It's a scam.

Seems like a police booking photo might be more appropriate, and a heck of a lot cheaper!

Have the official photographer take a picture.

That shouldn't cost more than a couple of hundred dollars.

Donate the savings to the Katrina fund.

He'll be a hero then – which is better than being a goat, if he actually goes through with *this*.

None of them should be allowed to spend money other than their very own to have portraits painted. How incredibly self-important and truly worthless this bunch in Washington is. Wasteful spending like this and they have the colossal nerve to tax us to the hilt and still complain of not enough money to fund their never-ending entitlement programs?? Frankly, I'd rather not be reminded of them by having portraits hung. If they want pictures, find someone with a camera! What nonsense.

He should be automatically ousted from politics because of his warped ego and lack of understanding of what is important for someone in his position.

I don't think the voters that donated to his campaign will be happy when they find out what he's using the money for.
Why doesn't he use his own money if he is so vain as to need a portrait of himself?
Any respect I may have had for this man is now gone leaving nothing but disgust.

Yea, so, don't worry about Katrina victims out in the cold. You go ahead and spend away fat cat. THis is repulsive.

I am embarrassed to be a American when I hear these stories. We need a whole new "type" of person to represent us in both houses of congress

EGO CARTOON...
Rangel, you should feel humiliated with the response your recieving from Americans. Trust me, it won't matter how much you spend, it won't make you look any better. What you propose is purposterous. All of you DC rep's need a reality check, because your nothing special, your replaceable, and you'd be forgotten before the business day is over. (Except to your boyfriends.) Our nation (USA) is going downhill fast, and your one of the problems that are dragging our nation down.

After reading this article, this is such a non-story. Why did we wait until it was Rangel's time to have a potrait painted? I'm sure he's not the first...

Who does he think he is 64.5K would feed and house 2 families for a year. Just goes to show they only think of themselves and not the people who put them in office

While he's at it maybe Rangell can "appropriate" some additional tax dollars to pay someone to fix his crooked by tie! Hmmmm . . . maybe the "crooked" word has another application?

If he wants a portrait of himself then let him pay for out of his own salary. If he has unused money from his election fund then he should donate it to an organization such as the Red Cross or perhaps to his local school district.

What about his constituents? I wonder what they have to say about Chairman Rangel's portrait and a cost that apparently "is commensurate with the usual and normal charge for works by artists of similar renown." .... Yet again another example of the underlying truth that Democrats don't really care about the little people.

NO WAY. Seriously? Give the campaign money back. Jesus, DONATE it to your district. Do SOMETHING, except get your portrait painted. This sickens me.

Stupid Politicians need to be sent to the frontlines.

What an complete jerk. And yet, people continue to believe in government and in politicians.

I actually have heard Charley many times on H&C and though we disagree on many points I always considered him to be a decent guy, but..................

This guy epitomizes the me first attitude these elected "leaders" have on both sides of the aisle.

Really think about how much good he could do with that 64 large in feeding, clothing or maybe a few books his consituents could use for this school year.

Easily could make this a partisan issue because he is a Democrat, but I won't.

Meet the new Boss. Same as the old Boss.

"The most honest, the most ethical, and the most open Congress in History" indeed.

No wonder the Approval ratings for Congress are the lowest in HISTORY. And it only took them 8 months!

Hey corruptuser!! At least he isn't asking you or any other taxperpayer to pay for it. It's his money, from his campaign do with as he sees fit. Also he is going thru the proper channels and asking for permission so as not to break any laws. There are more haters posting on TICKER and KOS than anywhere else. You guys are so angry and bitter. You go take care of the poor and homeless, if you feel so strong about it. I bet outside of spewing venom here you haven't done anything for anybody, anywhere.

You've got to be kidding me. How egotistical and absurd.

My guess is that Charles Rangel's typical constituent's annual earnings is one third of what he wants to spend on a portrait of himself. I think he should be assamed and his supporters should wake up!!!

TAKE A PHOTO like the rest of America does when we want a picture!

If the FEC approves the use PLEASE insure it's from his contituents and not federal matching dollars (my taxes). Let him explain during his next campaign race why he thinks $64,000 for a picture of himself is money well spent!

No, that the problem, I'm a supporter of Dems and this is not right, 64,000.00 for a protrait that's ridiculous, see this is how I see it, if you are so gunho to serve your country as senator, governer etc.... let us (the people) put you on what we think is a good enough salary, we provide you housing, food stamps etc.... if you really want to serve your country you don't need all that money to do so, cause most of you are not doing a good job any way.

And of course Rangel's cream of the crop portrait is much more important than the poor in his district. I wonder what they would do if they had $67,000 of their campaign contributions back in their pockets..., food, healthcare, housing, education??? Suckers!!

A nice picture isn't good enough?

Well, what can you expect.
1. A jerk
2. A big ego
3. A politician
Doesn't surprise me at all.
We get what we can "buy" in Congress these days. How sad.