(CNN) – Under fire for allegations of ethical violations, New York Democratic Rep. Charlie Rangel told reporters Monday that he has no intention of stepping down as chairman of the key tax writing committee in the House.
"I don't see what purpose that would serve," Rangel said as he left a press conference with a group of Mayors. "I don't think reporters should be in the position of removing Chairmen.”
Recently press reports raised questions about Rangel's support for a tax break for a company that contributed to an academic center bearing his name and his campaign fund’s $80,000 payment to his son for designing his campaign Web site. The House ethics committee is already investigating Rangel for failing to pay taxes on a vacation home, using a rent controlled apartment for his political committee, and his use of official congressional stationary to solicit funds for the academic center.
Asked if the ethics committee should investigate the latest allegations, Rangel replied, "they should investigate everything that's been said."
Lashing out at the most recent report appearing in Politico that Rangel paid his son $80,000 to design his campaign Web site, a fee that experts say was legal but excessively high, Rangel said, "I think the reporter should crawl from under his rock and apologize to my son."
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg meanwhile praised Rangel and said he continues to be a valuable ally for New York City.
From CNN Politics
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Another example of an arrogant policitian who believes laws and ethics don't apply to him. He should at least be removed from Chairman of the tax writing committee. This isn't about Democrat or Republican . . . this is about right vs. wrong. Paying Rangel's son $80,000 for $100 worth of work is not a 'joke".
Crook!
He should step down, but he won't like all the other corrupt Dems!
It is apparent there are crooks and theives on both side of the aisle. They should all be forced to resign no matter party affiliation. Sorry Mr. Rangel
OUT, OUT, OUT. Wehave had enough of corrupt politicians from all parties. If he doesn't go quietly, call the NYPD!
Amazing – a liberal crook refusing to step down when he's caught – ahhh, such wonderful change!
What does Bush have to do with Rangel being a crook? Scott your take sounds nothing like an Independent with "please give us some stuff to send some deserving republicans to jail now."
Crookedness should be combated everywhere regardless of the past with Clinton/Bush.
Sometimes house cleaning must start in your own house. Good Job Dems.
I am a democrat leaning independent too.
"I don't think reporters should be in the position of removing Chairmen.” Why not? The media christened our next president back in July. Rangel doesn't understand the omnipotent power of modern media.
I'm a democrat but it's time to clean house of all the corrupt. You're voted in to do a job. Just do the job with dignity and honesty....Cut out all the greed....
Who better to have in charge of the ethics committee than a guy that knows hot to exploit every loophole that exists. When the fox guards the chicken house, other foxes can't make away with the booty.
I think Charlie should be forgiven for whatever wrong he has done!
Was this punk separated from Al Sharpton at birth? Another snake oil salesman... Obama needs to take action against this con man.
I don't care what your party affliation is, if you get caught in ethics violations, being removed as Chairman of one the most influential committees in the federal government is REQUIRED. Step down, and take it like an honorable person. If you are cleared, which from what little I've seen, seems like a remote possibility, I'm sure that you can be reinstated. We do not have one set of rules for the Democrats and one for the Republicans - I think both should realize that they have corrupt members and push to get those ousted from committees and from their offices, if the charges are serious enough. Until both parties realize that there is something stronger than party affliation, meaning honor and honesty, they will continue to tie our current President in low approval numbers for good reasons!
Why can Democrats never prove their allegations, like Scott NYC Independent? Yet when it is proven that a Democrat has done some shady dealing they make excuses.
ANY politician that is involved in anything remotely questionable should be removed from office. They should not be given a chance to resign, kick them out in disgrace.
Its time we, the people start letting our elected officials know that they are to lead by example. Pretty words and campaign trail rhetoric will not be enough anymore. The Capitol building needs a good house cleaning.
Is he or is he not a crook...Are we being MmmBusshed, (I mean bamboolzed) I dont know the way the story is written it sounds like this man is abusing the power of his office???? Hopefully we will find out and put an end to it if he is. Plus make an exapmle of him..for the next person who may not keep his path straight while being responsible to the Taxpayers to withold a rightous character.
Sounds corrupt to me – vote him out – political party doesn't matter – ethics and character matter. NEXT !
this "news" outlet is infested by
"NEO-CONS" and their
war-profitting fear-mongering hate-instigating parasites!
Same old, same old business as usual.
Always a double standard for the Dems.... "do as I say, not as I do" .
What a hypocrit !
But he says "change" a lot, so its OK. Rangel, Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Nancy "Skeletor" Pelosi – change the Dems believe in....
I find it funny that when the the former Senator Stevens in Alaska was indicted early this year, that everyone was calling for his head, and that he illustrates that all Republicans are corrupt, but with Senator Rangel and the recently ousted Rep William Jefferson, these are back-burner stories.
Additionally, no one is calling for him to be impeached, just removed as chair of the committee in charge of taxes.
And what is even worse is that he is saying that the reporters are all at fault in this situation...
Dear Scott NYC Independent:
Stop drinking the Kool Aid !!
Bush was using the same intelligence that Clinton used, and came to the same conclusion. Can U spell "I-N-H-A-L-E ?
If your son is busy next election cycle, I'd be happy to design your web site for the bargain price of $79,000.
Sciott,
A new AG that "will uphold the law"? Really? Ever heard of a man by the name of Mark Rich?
be sure your sins will find you out.
If it is unethical to pay a family member for working on their election team, most of the members of Congress would be "unethical." Oh, wait, most members of Congress ARE "unethical." It must be a slow news day!