CNN Political Ticker
1160 days ago

House Ethics expands Rangel investigation

Rangel is under an ethics investigation
Rangel is under an ethics investigation

WASHINGTON (CNN) - The House Ethics Committee announced Tuesday it is expanding its investigation into Rep. Charles Rangel.

In a statement the committee said, “…the investigative subcommittee shall have the additional jurisdiction to determine if Representative Rangel violated the Code of Official Conduct or any law, rule, regulation, or other standard of conduct….with respect to contributions of money or pledges of contributions of money to the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service at the City College of New York from any person or entity associate with Nabors Industries.”

Recent press reports have raised questions into Rangel’s support of a tax break for Nabors Industries, a company which donated money to the City College academic center building bearing his name.

Rangel is already under investigation for using official letterhead to solicit funds for that same building, along with using a rent controlled apartment in New York for his political committee and for failing to pay taxes on a resort home the congressman owns in the Dominican Republic.

A congressional source tells CNN the expanded investigation does not include the matter of Rangel steering $80,000 to his son to design his campaign Web site.

Rangel told reporters Tuesday that in light of the allegations of ethical violations he still does not intend to step down from his chairmanship of a key tax writing committee.


Filed under: Charlie Rangel
soundoff (150 Responses)
  1. Concerned Democrat

    Here we go ANOTHER DIRTY POLITICIAN!!!

    We are surrounded by dishonest politicians who just keep BUYING their way into office.

    Come 2010 we should get rid of every politician in office and start all over.......after all what do we have to lose.

    December 9, 2008 05:39 pm at 5:39 pm |
  2. mark

    Rangel – Chicago – Rod Blagojevich – Obama – Sezko – Corruption – Lies….it is the Audacity of Hoax

    December 9, 2008 05:40 pm at 5:40 pm |
  3. Milhouse van Houten

    That's one for you,80,000.for me.Seems fair.........

    December 9, 2008 05:41 pm at 5:41 pm |
  4. New Yorker

    Come on CNN, you don't want to mislead your bloggers into thinking Rengel is a Republican. Your article should read Democratic Representative Charles Rengel. Another one biting the dust!

    December 9, 2008 05:42 pm at 5:42 pm |
  5. ohiojimmy

    i am a democrat who thinks that if he is found guilty than TOSS HIM OUT !!!! do not fall into the same trap of arrogance that the gop did,,I am so tired of elected officials getting caught with their hand out then keeping their seat,,,,NO MORE !!!!

    December 9, 2008 05:42 pm at 5:42 pm |
  6. Independent Voice

    Pelosi and Dem. House Leadership: " Oh crap, the news is out on Charlie. Let's all jump in and throw him under the bus so all of our own cronyism and corruption isn't exposed and we taint our golden boy President-reject's polticially fabricated good name."

    December 9, 2008 05:43 pm at 5:43 pm |
  7. BB

    Why do people keep electing these sleezy people? If we were that crooked, we'd be in jail.

    December 9, 2008 05:43 pm at 5:43 pm |
  8. Franky

    God, I hate New York politicians...they do remind me of their teams that's for sure, LOL!

    December 9, 2008 05:46 pm at 5:46 pm |
  9. Scott Tucson

    WOW! I am seeing change already! Looks like someone is trying to clean out all the crooked democrats before Obama gets into office. Who's next...Barney Frank, Pelosi, Reed, Dodd?

    December 9, 2008 05:49 pm at 5:49 pm |
  10. nom deplume

    Looks like the Committee will be ordering a bigger rug . . .

    December 9, 2008 05:49 pm at 5:49 pm |
  11. Nick

    Good. This guy is one of the worse politicians there is. Will do anything for anybody, as long as they can help him out generously.

    December 9, 2008 05:50 pm at 5:50 pm |
  12. Baze

    This guy's ugly face makes me sick. They need to throw him and that Ill. governor, and all these corrupt disgusting political POS underneath the jail!

    December 9, 2008 05:50 pm at 5:50 pm |
  13. No Incumbents 2010

    "House Ethics" Can you say oxymoron?

    December 9, 2008 05:51 pm at 5:51 pm |
  14. Griff

    Transport CNN... When the price of goods change..... Gas prices is just another illusion

    December 9, 2008 05:53 pm at 5:53 pm |
  15. Mike

    Just so there is no confusion, Rangel is a Democrat. It is interesting that some people mistakenly thought Illinois Governor Blagojevich was a Republican. Corruption knows no political party.

    December 9, 2008 05:54 pm at 5:54 pm |
  16. Mike H.

    Rangel should step down from his position as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. This is one of the most important committees in the House and a man under an ethics investigation should not be calling the shots.

    December 9, 2008 05:55 pm at 5:55 pm |
  17. Jackie in Dallas

    You know, if I were a betting person, I'd be willing to bet that there will be a lot more ethics investigations in the near future. I think that the American people spoke pretty loudly on November 4th, and that there are some people in the House and Senate who should do some serious soul-searching about their motives and activities. Because I think the American people have hit a critical point in tolerance for this kind of crap...

    December 9, 2008 05:57 pm at 5:57 pm |
  18. Annie the Democrat

    Rangel NEEDS TO GO!

    The Governor of Illinois NEEDS TO GO!

    Every Dirty Politician in Illinois and Congress NEEDS TO GO!

    ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

    If Obama is connected to this then HE NEEDS TO GO AS WELL

    It's time Americans take back our Nation and insist that the politicians serve the best interests of this nation .....not their own dirty pockets!

    December 9, 2008 05:59 pm at 5:59 pm |
  19. Janey

    the corruption in the Democratic party is beyond belief–and is never fully investigated by Media–they simply look the other way.

    December 9, 2008 06:00 pm at 6:00 pm |
  20. sandee in Portland

    How ironic that he's head of the tax writing committee and failed to pay his taxes on his vacation home. Hopefully, this and other unethical politicians will bite the dust along with the Illinois governor and the senator from Alaska.

    December 9, 2008 06:01 pm at 6:01 pm |
  21. Brian

    I'm a democrat who voted Obama. I'm sorry, but they should toss this guy. He's a total bonehead. Let's clean up Washington.

    December 9, 2008 06:03 pm at 6:03 pm |
  22. KM

    WHEN WILL THIS STOP!

    Here's a thought: NO MORE CAREER POLITICIANS!!!!!!!!!

    I don't care if they're on the right or the left. Career politicians = corruption.

    December 9, 2008 06:12 pm at 6:12 pm |
  23. FreeNLovIt

    Honey, stay put in the office, dont resign. You havent stole a trillion dollar yet.

    December 9, 2008 06:14 pm at 6:14 pm |
  24. FreeNLovIt

    I know. Across the nation, we need to establish term-limits to all our politicians. I truly believe that most of them are good men.

    December 9, 2008 06:18 pm at 6:18 pm |
  25. Joe Green

    Didn't take long for the Democrats to completely screw things up, did it?

    First the governor of Illlinois, now this.

    Hmmm..... time for a 3rd party?

    December 9, 2008 06:20 pm at 6:20 pm |
  26. Bias

    Again, why when Republicans are under investigation is it always because they are Republican and the word Republican appears all through the article, but when it is a Democrat, party affiliation appears irrelevant?

    December 9, 2008 06:20 pm at 6:20 pm |
  27. David Goldman

    I JUST HAVE ONE QUESTION !!!!

    WHEN IS IT BUSH'S TURN ???

    December 9, 2008 06:23 pm at 6:23 pm |
  28. Flash Gorden /-\

    It does not matter if you are male/female, black/white, gay/straight, rich/poor, fat/skinny, big/litte, smart/dumb, republican/democrat etc... you get the picture. If you do wrong, you must PAY for it. And, yes, IT WILL catch up to you sooner or later. Think GOD or Karma. Good ALWAYS trumps BAD!

    December 9, 2008 06:24 pm at 6:24 pm |
  29. mike-wpb

    It is obvious that Democrats are just as dirty as republicans... get rid of these bums, why do the voters in this guys district vote for him? or for that matter, why have we voted back into office so many incumbents from the lowest rated Congress in history? term limits should be on all legislators, not just Presidents.

    December 9, 2008 06:25 pm at 6:25 pm |
  30. Libs be dopes

    He will be the first in a long line of pardons under Obama.....

    December 9, 2008 06:25 pm at 6:25 pm |
  31. Rumsfeld

    Any politician who has served for more than 6 years should be required to step aside and let others participate. I am tired of the politicians we currently have who have served for 30+ years, are far beyond typical retirement age and still believe they should lord over all of us. Obviously, I am referring to the Thurmonds, Birds, Kennedys and numerous others who need to move on. It is a privilege to be elected and to serve, not a right. This will never stop until the public demands it...and that won't happen in my lifetime.

    December 9, 2008 06:28 pm at 6:28 pm |
  32. Marcia, Marcia, Marcia in CA

    Rangel needs to go or it's just politics, screw the taxpayer as usual.

    December 9, 2008 06:28 pm at 6:28 pm |
  33. Jerry

    This investigation will go nowhere! So much for Ethics.

    December 9, 2008 06:30 pm at 6:30 pm |
  34. Wackolibhack

    It is racist to catch Chuck doing anything wrong. Bush made him do it.

    December 9, 2008 06:31 pm at 6:31 pm |
  35. Gus Tijerino

    The most corrupt party is the democrat party. It needs to be outlawed. The guy who sold Obama his house is the same scumbag involved with the democrat governor scandal now. Unbelievable...

    December 9, 2008 06:31 pm at 6:31 pm |
  36. Gus Tijerino

    It is so blatant and funny how reporters in the media omit the party affiliation when they report on a Democrat's corruption... Do they really think the public is that stupid that we won't see the bias?

    December 9, 2008 06:33 pm at 6:33 pm |
  37. California Gold

    Rangel makes an excellent case for term limits and no appointment with a cushy 6-figure salary afterward. He's like the others: it's up to you to find the dirt on me and try to make me stop.

    December 9, 2008 06:34 pm at 6:34 pm |
  38. chris ludlow

    noticed that myself bias. consider the source.

    December 9, 2008 06:39 pm at 6:39 pm |
  39. Chris

    Why not "regulate" politician ethics???

    We regulate:
    Aviation
    Food
    Schools
    Medical
    Defense contractors
    "now" banking

    Term limits and Ethics commitees for ALL elected offices need to be created. The more years = more greed.

    December 9, 2008 06:39 pm at 6:39 pm |
  40. Phoenix

    Step Down. I don't understand the audacity of these people in power. They commit crimes, and somehow they should not be called on the carpet. Step Down Now.

    December 9, 2008 06:40 pm at 6:40 pm |
  41. Bruce

    If you're like me and sick of all the crap that goes on in Washington as these guys feather their nests, let's revisit term limits. It works for the presidency and it could work in congress. However, for the last two governors of Illinois, the last governor of NY and countless others, even one partial term is too much!

    December 9, 2008 06:40 pm at 6:40 pm |
  42. bob

    Is it time for Republicans to bring all'em down?

    December 9, 2008 06:41 pm at 6:41 pm |
  43. Clint

    Politicians are a microcosm of our society as far as behavior. It makes no difference if they are Independent, Democrat, Republic, Conservative, or Liberal. What is different for them is that the level of accountability is less than it is for the general society. Their colleagues, our government, needs to trigger a non-partisan mechanism to deal with these knuckleheads swiftly and deliberately. The ballot box is where the constituents are most effective in dealing with these knuckleheads. William Jefferson of Louisiana can explain in detail how this works.

    December 9, 2008 06:41 pm at 6:41 pm |
  44. Eloise from Lufkin TX

    Rangel should have been gone a long time ago...okay, Democrats..you haven't even started and things are falling apart???? Can't wait for 2012.

    December 9, 2008 06:43 pm at 6:43 pm |
  45. ken

    Karl Rove said the other day he is going to name names. When he write an oped, one need to check what is going to happen next.
    Now naming names started today. We see the names Karl!

    December 9, 2008 06:43 pm at 6:43 pm |
  46. Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx.

    If it was good enough for Duke Cunningham in San Diego, and Bob Ney in Ohio, Rangel needs to face whatever music he's played if he's convicted.

    And, while I wanted a Dem to keep Jefferson's seat in Louisiana, I'm not disappointed in him losing his seat after $90,000+ was found in his freezer.

    Looks like it's cyclical. The Reps do it, then the Dems do it. Now, in the near future, we'll be back to the Reps.

    By the way, anyone wnat to buy a seat in Chicago? After all, it looks like the Gov. of Illinois (a dimtwit) has been trying to sell it.

    December 9, 2008 06:44 pm at 6:44 pm |
  47. deb

    Well, as usual, the republicans are somehow making this about Obama or the democrats! Jeez, look at all the crooks in BOTH parties, will ya!! We need to get away from "them and us"! We need to unite as a nation and quit the mudslinging. I don't think I've ever seen so much division between the parties. I'm a democrat but I have voted republican before (although not THIS time or the last TWO times).

    December 9, 2008 06:45 pm at 6:45 pm |
  48. HouseDiva

    I think that htis is a good thing that the democrats are cleaning house and getting the corruption out of their party.

    I just cant wait for it to be Bush's, Cheney's, Rummy's. Rove's, Ashcroft's, Rice's, and the rest of the regime's turn to face the music.

    December 9, 2008 06:45 pm at 6:45 pm |
  49. Seattle Sue

    Janey@6;00pm++++Where did you hear of this ethics problem with Mr. Rangel? If not by the media, then perhaps by a little bird? Did you not hear of the Democrat Governor of Illinois through the Media? As far as corruption by one party or the other, I think there has been more Republicans on the wrong side of ethics these past eight years than Democrats.

    December 9, 2008 06:46 pm at 6:46 pm |
  50. Hayden

    I agree with the poster who said corruption knows no political party. In this country it is us vs. them, us being the law abiding citizens and them being the legislators who make the laws and then routinely violate them. Neither party is immune. Perhaps it's time for a good 3rd party.

    December 9, 2008 06:47 pm at 6:47 pm |
  51. harry

    Say, Republican operative at work!

    December 9, 2008 06:49 pm at 6:49 pm |
  52. bob

    Next should be Bush and cheney!

    December 9, 2008 06:49 pm at 6:49 pm |
  53. bkrane/pgh

    seems fair to me as he is continually re-elected

    December 9, 2008 06:50 pm at 6:50 pm |
  54. libbssuck1

    Get rid of this crook!

    December 9, 2008 06:51 pm at 6:51 pm |
  55. Nick

    When are we to investigate Sarah Palin on what she did in alaska?

    December 9, 2008 06:53 pm at 6:53 pm |
  56. DOCS 3

    HE IS ANOTHER ONE FROM THOSE 20TH CENTURY THROW BACKS.
    IT SEEMS THAT POLITICIANS FROM THAT OLD SCHOOL THAT BEEN AROUND THINK THAT THEY CAN DO AND SAY ANYTHING. MAYBE THAT WHY A LOT OF THEM ARE DURING TIME ON THE PEOPLE DIMES INSTEAD OF SPENDING THE PEOPLE DIMES. IF HE IS GUILTY
    THEN LET US SPEND THE DIMES. HE WILL JUST BE ANOTHER IN WHAT SHOULD BE A LONG LINE THAT INCLUDES THE MAN CURRENTLY IN THE WHITE HOUSE.

    December 9, 2008 06:53 pm at 6:53 pm |
  57. ken

    Sarah Palin was running free around the country while she had committed so much unethical stuff in Alaska. When are the republicans(bush,cheney,sarah palin,gonzelaz) going to be responsible of their stuff?

    December 9, 2008 06:55 pm at 6:55 pm |
  58. Ben

    They must bring them down to make the senate nonfillibuster proof...Poor Obama!

    December 9, 2008 06:57 pm at 6:57 pm |
  59. Jeff Fisher

    Charlie shoud resign... NOW!

    December 9, 2008 06:57 pm at 6:57 pm |
  60. sick n tired

    All crooked politicians should be weeded out and exposed no matter what party they belong to Dem,GOP, or Ind. Our government is long overdue for an enema! And its up to WE THE PEOPLE to see to it!!!!!

    December 9, 2008 06:59 pm at 6:59 pm |
  61. carl

    What's so stupid is that we all get screwed by these bums but Dems think that only Reps will get bent over and they, the holier-than-thou, self righteous, messianic Democrats will be spared. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot!!!!! Where are the adults??

    December 9, 2008 07:05 pm at 7:05 pm |
  62. sunshine

    a bunch of shady people, cheney, rangel, governor of illinois, governor of alaska, president bush, etc.,etc.,etc.!!!! what's happened to america??

    December 9, 2008 07:05 pm at 7:05 pm |
  63. Joe

    Rangel is one of many that is corrupt. I just don't understand why people continue to vote for people like Rangel.

    December 9, 2008 07:08 pm at 7:08 pm |
  64. Larry

    I am sure when these corrupt politicians are elected,their voters, believe what they are being told during the campaign ,and want to believe that this is a good man they are voting for.If you are someone that has voted for the crooks,you should feel your faith in that person was betrayed,you don't need to go in to denial,you should just deal with the fact you screwed up and misjudged the person,it's not your fault.

    December 9, 2008 07:09 pm at 7:09 pm |
  65. Seth

    What an awesome day to be Republican!! I HAVE ONE QUESTION, WHEN ARE CHRIS DODD AND BARNEY FRANK GOING DOWN?!!!!!

    December 9, 2008 07:10 pm at 7:10 pm |
  66. Nannie Bouroughs

    Rangel is without shame!

    December 9, 2008 07:10 pm at 7:10 pm |
  67. Beckster

    Get rid of the coon. He is a joke.

    WHO IS JOHN GALT?

    December 9, 2008 07:10 pm at 7:10 pm |
  68. Jason L. Hubsch

    How come there is no mention of this person's political affiliation in the piece, but when Ted Stevens was on CNN, they actually introduced him by his party, as "Alaskan Republican Ted Stevens"?

    Hopefully this is merely a sign that CNN is dropping ALL party affiliations and instead will merely report unbiased news without having to affiliate party with a person. In the end, these politicians' parties do not matter, their actions as Americans do.

    December 9, 2008 07:11 pm at 7:11 pm |
  69. redbarchetta88

    From all I've read it was only Republicans who were "corrupt" and "should be thrown in jail", and Democrats were "clean" and "a symbol of change". I still love how some liberals still want to blame Bush for the crimes of William Jefferson (D-LA), Rod Blagojevich (D-IL) and Charlie Rangel (D-NY).

    December 9, 2008 07:13 pm at 7:13 pm |
  70. Charlie's going down.....

    and rightfully so. He's dirty.

    December 9, 2008 07:14 pm at 7:14 pm |
  71. Dennis

    My dad always said if you fill a barrel with politicians and roll it down hill there will be an idiot (well, he didn't use the word "idiot") on top at all times. Once again we're seeing the old addage come true with the Democrats in power–"Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely".

    December 9, 2008 07:16 pm at 7:16 pm |
  72. Dianne

    I think their will be more investigations because the republicans are upset about losing power. Why doesn' the right wing investigare Bush and Cheney and others

    December 9, 2008 07:17 pm at 7:17 pm |
  73. Greg Hodges

    As a Canadian; it must be very disheartening to the citizens of the U.S. to wake up on an almost daily basis to discover yet another politician lining his/her pockets at the expense of those who put them in office. I hope that Barack Obama`s election marks a turning point for ALL the politicians (irregardless of party or ideology) to wake up and realize what they are doing TO their country; rather than FOR it. This sleaze must end; or America will never get it`s house in order!!

    December 9, 2008 07:19 pm at 7:19 pm |
  74. john from sandiego

    one dumbo after another dumbocrat...who do they think they are, republicans???Nancy-YOU do not know what ethics are about..

    December 9, 2008 07:27 pm at 7:27 pm |
  75. Ridgeway

    Ah, heh, heh, heh... er? Ha, ha, ha... I get it. The next governor of Illinois. Charles Rangel. Oh, yeah that Bush is terrible. Well, now Jefferson will have somebody to carpool with to prison.

    December 9, 2008 07:29 pm at 7:29 pm |
  76. tanner, ca

    THIS IS HOW ALL THE DEMOCRATIC POSTERS THINK:

    - When a Republican is investigated he's a crook.

    - When a Democrat is investigated it's a witchhunt.

    You are truly a ridiculous bunch and I can't even take you seriously anymore.

    December 9, 2008 07:29 pm at 7:29 pm |
  77. Missy M

    Can we please stop blaming these scandals on Republicans? I really don't think "the Republican smear machine" is at work altering Rangle's tax returns or forcing Gov. Blagojevich to sell Obama's senate seat. It doesn't matter if the person is Democrat, Republican or some other party affiliation – if they play dirty, vote them out and prosecute them for any laws they break.

    December 9, 2008 07:35 pm at 7:35 pm |
  78. dave

    Destroy all Obama work to get majority of Democrats. I am Karl rove and I approve this message

    December 9, 2008 07:35 pm at 7:35 pm |
  79. Impeach Obama

    Hey you Obamots – get ready – President Biden by summer.

    December 9, 2008 07:35 pm at 7:35 pm |
  80. Richard Rohde

    Notice not one of these Democrats has resigned, they all blame it on others. Did they mention that William Jefferson, the Ford family of Memphis, Kwame Kilpatrick and the mayor of Birmingham are all Democrats, probably not. And now, Reid and Pelosi are getting ready to bail out the UAW, who gave how much money to ACORN to elect Democrats?

    December 9, 2008 07:35 pm at 7:35 pm |
  81. Butch Dillon

    Charlie's game is up and it's time for him to be ushered to the door. How many of these guys believe the rules don't apply to them? Maybe harsh punishments will get the message across. At any rate, NY needs a replacement, not just the committee.

    December 9, 2008 07:36 pm at 7:36 pm |
  82. Mike, Syracuse NY

    Why no mention of the fact that Rangel is a Democrat? Time for Pelosi to step up and police her own. If he were a Rep. she'd be all over him.

    December 9, 2008 07:39 pm at 7:39 pm |
  83. Impeach Obama

    David Goldman, honey, there has to be a somewhat reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed before an indictment can be made. Despite claims by CNN and the Democrat party, Bush has committed no crimes.

    December 9, 2008 07:39 pm at 7:39 pm |
  84. res50

    I remember old Joe Lieberman almost lost his chairmanship because he said something good about a repub. Mr. Rangel will probably get to keep his because he is a crook. a less ethical offense in Washington.

    December 9, 2008 07:42 pm at 7:42 pm |
  85. chris @ stl

    Rep. Rangle shold go ...

    December 9, 2008 07:43 pm at 7:43 pm |
  86. Allyson

    Washington needs to clean up its and get rid of all the crooked politicians no matter who they are and I am hopeful President elect Obama will clean house.

    December 9, 2008 07:46 pm at 7:46 pm |
  87. L.B

    Looks like all 28 comments have a republican tone. Republicans still run the Justice Dept. and by the way the biggest crime committed to this day, happens to be this so called WAR.

    December 9, 2008 07:47 pm at 7:47 pm |
  88. Erick in Al

    Ok, this is 1 democrat. NOONE is as corrupt as the GOP, and Bush!

    December 9, 2008 07:52 pm at 7:52 pm |
  89. Joman

    Its clear that corruption is rampant in both parties. That should surprise no one, and no one should gloat about their party being more pious – because neither is. Regardless of party – the corrupt simply need to go.

    We citizens demand that our politicians put party before country – and we should expect nothing less of ourselves. This is an issue that all citizens need to unite around.

    So stop beating each other up and use your energy to instead help rid our government of corrupt politicians – regardless of party.

    December 9, 2008 07:53 pm at 7:53 pm |
  90. MikeH

    Remember that the House Ethics Committee is run by the Democrats. At least they are expanding the ethics investigation of Rangel. If it were a Republican-run committee investigating a Republican, well, just look at what was going on back in 2006 w/ Mark Foley, Tom Delay, Dennis Hastert, Bill Frist (Frist flagrantly violated the Constitution, and not a peep from the Ethics Committee).

    Clean out the venal folks from both parties, ferret out all the 'Burrowers" that Bush planted, get rid of all those ignorant religious fanatics who censor scientific reports, and we just might salvage this country, and the planet.

    December 9, 2008 07:55 pm at 7:55 pm |
  91. JFK

    Impeach Obama December 9th, 2008 7:35 pm ET

    "Hey you Obamots – get ready – President Biden by summer."

    Ya, dont try to disguise your hatred and your name. Be out and proud and display your name since you dont hold back your obvious hatred of Obama. You probably dont even know what you really hate so much about Obama other than you probably read a lot of ridiculous and factually incorrect emails that your friends circulate. Then you get online and repeat the same garbage that circulates in consertive circles. Talk about stupid breeding more stupid.

    December 9, 2008 07:56 pm at 7:56 pm |
  92. Drew

    Bias:

    Headline: "Leading Dem faces ethics investigation"

    December 9, 2008 07:59 pm at 7:59 pm |
  93. Voterinohio

    Funny, because he's a crook he's a republican in disguise according to some of the inept individuals who chose to blog on here. Funny thing, politicians as a whole are corrupt, sorry the holy democratic party is not immune.

    December 9, 2008 07:59 pm at 7:59 pm |
  94. Enough A;ready

    Joe Green December 9th, 2008 6:20 pm ET
    Didn't take long for the Democrats to completely screw things up, did it? First the governor of Illlinois, now this.
    Hmmm….. time for a 3rd party?
    It is a Long List ....BUSH CHENEY KARL ROVE and PALIN is Lying CROOK !!!!!! YOU BETCHA!!! Bush Will Pardon ALL the Crooks Without Considering the Border Patrolmen

    December 9, 2008 08:00 pm at 8:00 pm |
  95. Adam

    Republicans were in trouble right after the general election 4 years ago. Now it looks like the dems have all the scandals. Lets see how this all plays out

    December 9, 2008 08:02 pm at 8:02 pm |
  96. Howard Roark

    A transition team loaded with lobbyists....a cabinet loaded with entrenched Washington politicians...yep, change you can believe in.

    December 9, 2008 08:13 pm at 8:13 pm |
  97. Steve NY

    Seems like Obama is riding a wave of corruption in the Democratic party straight into the White House. Now that's change you can believe in!

    By the way, my uncle is a city councilman here in my town... how much could he get for his seat? We could use the money! LOL.

    December 9, 2008 08:15 pm at 8:15 pm |
  98. jack

    Jefferson, Stevens and Rangel all are the type of politician that the public wants to get rid of once and for all. We did not vote people into office just for them to use office to wring "campaign contributions" from individuals or companies that have business before government. Criminal proscution is what we need for those who have abused the public trust.

    December 9, 2008 08:16 pm at 8:16 pm |
  99. JK Ashburn, VA

    Rangel can share a cell with William Jefferson and Rod Blagojevich. But, it will get crowded as more names surface from Chicago with that deal. It's gonna get ugly.

    In fact, maybe they should open a new wing at Gitmo. These people are too dangerous to America to be allowed to roam free on the streets.

    December 9, 2008 08:21 pm at 8:21 pm |
  100. proudliberal-independent

    if ur corrupt, get out of our government! we're sick of political cronies! NO MORE POLITICS OF THE PAST! these dems are disgusting ,but, bush and his crew are the worst! i say, to prison with all of them! people griping because the 'liberal-left progressives' are concerned that we're getting more of the same, with the new 'clinton' administration? these corrupt sobs are why! when this stuff happens in taiwan or so. korea ,their people take to the streets and demand accountability the old-fashioned way.

    December 9, 2008 08:22 pm at 8:22 pm |
  101. pam Eugene OR

    Democrats or Republicans it does not matter. The country is in no mood for these crooks. They all need to be kicked out and sent to jail for their crimes.
    That includes Bush and Cheney. They are on the top of the list if criminals.
    We the people need to demand some basic honesty of our politicians. This is a poster person for term limits.

    December 9, 2008 08:25 pm at 8:25 pm |
  102. smearjay

    Does everyone remember Pelosi's statement "When I am elected Speaker of the House, I am going to drain the political swamp in Washington".

    December 9, 2008 08:27 pm at 8:27 pm |
  103. Jim Nelson

    Ethics is a foreign concept when elected. John Dingell represents Dearborn, MI and is married to a senior GM executive. it has never stopped him from voting on auto issues. Democrat or Republican they all have ethics problems..its the water in Washington (or the money)

    December 9, 2008 08:29 pm at 8:29 pm |
  104. Tom D.

    We all need to stop being idiots and pointing fingers at each others party. BOTH PARTIES HAVE CORRUPT MEMBERS! As soon as we all learn this important lesson and stop blindly supporting one party and demonizing the other the sooner we make progress. If they did wrong – they go!

    December 9, 2008 08:30 pm at 8:30 pm |
  105. Dennis

    Wow, the Democratic hits just keep coming. Earlier today there was the Blago -Obama Affair, now more of the continuing Rangel scandal. Lurking in the background, ready to break at any moment, are more juicy tidbits of the Obama-Ayers, Obama -Wright and Obama- Rezko soap operas.

    December 9, 2008 08:32 pm at 8:32 pm |
  106. tess

    the fun is just beginning – watch these democrates try to excuse everything that happens from here on – afterall it is dems who will be doing the ugly, dishonest, unlawful things now and we will all get to see how it is perfectly o.k. if it is them but all republicans who look cross-eyed should be jailed at least, if not put to death!!! can't wait to watch this cast of pitiful people try to lead!! what a joke--

    December 9, 2008 08:34 pm at 8:34 pm |
  107. WiseGuy

    To answer Mr. Goldman, it will be Bush's turn when he does something illegal. Right now, ol' George is smelling pretty good, at least compared to the gang that Obama hangs out with...

    December 9, 2008 08:34 pm at 8:34 pm |
  108. Mike Dallas

    Rangel is a Dem

    Stevenson is a Republican

    Seems the score is all even in this unethical race

    December 9, 2008 08:36 pm at 8:36 pm |
  109. earle,woodstock,vt.

    What,are we going to have a lynching,what gives here? I hope this ain't a race issue,cause I,m one guy who'll go to bat for this brother. He's a decorated Vet, and outstanding congressman. Someone wants his powerful House Chairman Seat,which controls the purse strings? Now I wonder who's causing this rutkus? I wouldn't put it past a fellow Democrat stirring up the BS,...

    December 9, 2008 08:42 pm at 8:42 pm |
  110. Joseph

    Another honest democrat, if you go by the democrats definition of honest.

    December 9, 2008 08:44 pm at 8:44 pm |
  111. jamie

    American,GREED at best! Capitalist pig's...

    December 9, 2008 08:49 pm at 8:49 pm |
  112. nate

    All corrupt pols have to go, irrespective of party. Now that thats out of the way, lets review shall we? WE WON. YOU LOST. Sit down and be quiet and we'll let you know if and when you ever matter again Repubs.

    December 9, 2008 08:51 pm at 8:51 pm |
  113. Thinker

    harry December 9th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

    Say, Republican operative at work!

    Yes Harry a Republican told the chairman of the House's tax law writing committee it was OK not to pay taxes on income. Get real. We need to check every Dem politicians freezer.

    December 9, 2008 09:00 pm at 9:00 pm |
  114. Pamma

    If Obama got involved in this, Rangel would be gone in a heart beat.

    December 9, 2008 09:00 pm at 9:00 pm |
  115. New Yorker

    He'll probably get off scott free just like former Democratic Governor Spitzer. What a double standard this country has. If it was a Republican you would see justice but don't expect it when it involves a democrat.

    December 9, 2008 09:04 pm at 9:04 pm |
  116. Blair

    Weren't the Dems supposed to clean up this culture of corruption instead of just making room for their own form of it? Wasn't Obama supposed to change Illinois politics the way he's supposed to change federal politics? And why isn't the party affiliation of these two Democratic crooks prominently displayed in the headlines of any stories written about them (as it would be for any Republican politician)?

    December 9, 2008 09:06 pm at 9:06 pm |
  117. KG

    Rangel, your sun has set. Move on.

    To Congress, you really want to be something new and different. Show this guy the door (and all of those like him). Oh yes, I guess if you did that there would be no one left!!

    December 9, 2008 09:09 pm at 9:09 pm |
  118. Jimbo

    Rangel should step down for not having a budget in 06. The tax cuts and infrastructure bills have not been seen by his committee.

    December 9, 2008 09:10 pm at 9:10 pm |
  119. Jeff

    Interesting that all this is coming out AFTER the presidential election. Who knows if this could have tipped the vote towards McCain. We will never know.

    December 9, 2008 09:11 pm at 9:11 pm |
  120. Mark Newport RI

    Yawn. Old news.

    Had CNN been doing their job this would have been published awhile back.

    But hey, when was or is CNN interested in publishing bad news about the liberal democrats in a timely fashion any way?

    I guess CNN can't sweep it under the rug anymore.

    December 9, 2008 09:11 pm at 9:11 pm |
  121. JFK

    Janey December 9th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

    "the corruption in the Democratic party is beyond belief–and is never fully investigated by Media–they simply look the other way."

    What planet are you from Janey? Were you awake during the last 8 years? Or did you simply turn the other cheek as did so many other Americans? Republicans have had a good old time taking money from oil companies, bribes from Jack Abramhoff, toe tapping their way through airport bathrooms, and picking up underage congressional pages. Thats just the Congress! Need I go on? Please go back and read your Bible and circulate some more conservative factually free emails!

    December 9, 2008 09:11 pm at 9:11 pm |
  122. Carson

    Give it up, Charlie (D)! You need to resign not just from your tax committe position but from the House of Representatives! Looks like you won't get that chance to reinstate the draft like you wanted to do a couple of years ago. Maybe you and the governor of Illinois (D) can be cell mates.

    December 9, 2008 09:13 pm at 9:13 pm |
  123. Jeff B

    Both parties harbor these crooks despite the obvious ethical lapses, and the very bad name it gives Congress & our Govt. I hope they force Rangel out and make him give the money back. Disgusting. Since half of the Bush admin was crooked, maybe he'll pardon Rangel too, at the last minute just to be nice!

    December 9, 2008 09:14 pm at 9:14 pm |
  124. Mike

    The Ethics Committee is going to investigate Rangel. They will find that he has NO ETHICS. Then the democrats will return this slimebag to his chairmanship because the Democrats have no ethics either.

    December 9, 2008 09:19 pm at 9:19 pm |
  125. Pete

    And you thought the Republicans are bad... The democraps will make George Bush look like a saint.

    December 9, 2008 09:19 pm at 9:19 pm |
  126. Ken

    Shock! Surprise! Who would have guessed that this fine gentleman was anything other than completely upstanding and ethical? After all, he has been telling us for years how above board he is. Of course, anyone who had been paying even the slightest bit of attention was appalled when he became the chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. With his partners of higher ethics, Harry Reed, Nancy Pelosi, Chris Dodd and the rest of the democrat clowns that sparked our current crisis with the Community Reinvestment Act, we tax payers should not expect this investigation to result in any “change”. Rangel is, after all, a Democrat…

    December 9, 2008 09:20 pm at 9:20 pm |
  127. No Incumbents 2010

    For all of you saying this man is a crook and should be thrown out: Can you not see this is a Black Congressman?- that makes you all racist!

    December 9, 2008 09:25 pm at 9:25 pm |
  128. Say Chowda

    Bush, Bush, Bush, what are you "people" with BDS going to do after January?

    Oh, that's right, explain away every Obama mistake and with the help of Chris Matthews and Olbermann and Couric etc, etc make his "administration work".

    Not REPORT on his bad things, but help make it "work".

    The empty suit was dragged across the finish line and already he is backtracking on MANY proposals and ideas that he said on the trail, we non-bots knew he was lying, but not you geniuses????

    Chucky Rangel, the Governor of Obambi's homestate of Illinois, Cold cash Jefferson, talking about Caroline foe Senate wow, this is shaping up to be a better year than I thought.

    Thank you Democrats, keep up the uh, uh, uh good work.

    December 9, 2008 09:27 pm at 9:27 pm |
  129. Griff

    I never! (Now) listen to Larry Kingko... He is so stupid because of Obama's trash.... The Liar of all Liars! A none American, who cheated" Now America dare not search for the Truth.... You?????? America.... Would much rather cover up the truth... Imagine an Alien living in the White-House; because you are so ashamed of your past.... A Black-American...................................As no connection to Barack Obama.... He has no right to live in your Country, unless the Truth be Known....l

    December 9, 2008 09:27 pm at 9:27 pm |
  130. Anonymous

    Impeach Obama:
    Your such a bitter Idiot.... Go play in traffic!!! Take your Replub friends with you!!
    It's going to be a LONG EIGHT YEARS FOR YOU BITTER MORONS!!

    December 9, 2008 09:32 pm at 9:32 pm |
  131. Jess

    CHANGE WE NEED! Yeah right. This is the Democrats version of change – change for the worse is what we are going to get – and Obama has not even gotten into the office yet !

    December 9, 2008 09:32 pm at 9:32 pm |
  132. Charliek

    This guy has violated NYC's Rent Control, Misused official letterhead, and avoided income taxes on his Caribbean property. All the while Nancy looked the other way and left him in charge of the House Ways and Means Committee!
    It's about time they started to investigate him. He also made large contributions to several Dems running for Congress in NY. Keep digging! This guy is the definition of dirty.
    Other Dems should be charged with Malfeasance for allowing it!

    December 9, 2008 09:32 pm at 9:32 pm |
  133. Mikey

    I am a web developer...let me tell you something. I've never gotten paid $80,000 to develop a website. So for this crook to give his son that much to design a campaign website – that's way over the top.

    RightWingIt.com

    December 9, 2008 09:34 pm at 9:34 pm |
  134. Randy, San Francisco

    Guess corruption is the only thing that is truly bipartisan in Washington.

    December 9, 2008 09:36 pm at 9:36 pm |
  135. Chuck in LA

    Yeah, Charlie Rangel, in collaboration with Tony Rezko and William Ayers, and under the supervision of ACORN, are planning a secret military coup to have Blagojevich installed as President of Alabama.

    And it goes without saying that they are funded by the Chinese who are working with Saddam Hussein's ghost.

    December 9, 2008 09:40 pm at 9:40 pm |
  136. Daniel from FL

    I'm a proud Democrat, but recent events just go to show you that no one party has a monopoly on corruption. There are enough scandals and ethics violations to go around here. We have Ted Stevens, Larry Craig, Mark Foley, George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Karl Rove, and yes, even Sarah Palin on the GOP side, and we have Elliott Spitzer, Charlie Rangel, William Jefferson, Kwame Kilpatrick, and now Gov. Blagojevich on the DEM side. Those are just the tip of the iceberg.

    I'm just glad they are getting exposed so we can purge these bums from out politics and send them where they belong – TO JAIL. I don't care WHAT party they're from!

    December 9, 2008 09:45 pm at 9:45 pm |
  137. Ryan

    They're all a bunch of crooks. I can't believe these idiots keep getting re-elected.

    December 9, 2008 09:45 pm at 9:45 pm |
  138. Bobby Burns

    WOW WHY AM I NOT SUPRISED ????????? why do we keep electing these guys??????????? because they have all the money

    December 9, 2008 09:50 pm at 9:50 pm |
  139. gl, Pittsburgh

    Add Sara Palin to the ethical corruption.

    December 9, 2008 09:51 pm at 9:51 pm |
  140. gl, Pittsburgh

    Republicans need not talk. Bush whole Administration was crimially.

    December 9, 2008 09:55 pm at 9:55 pm |
  141. Willy Brown

    The Democratic culture of corruption begins to smell up D.C. and Illinois. Nancy you better quit draining the swamp…

    December 9, 2008 09:57 pm at 9:57 pm |
  142. Renee

    I wish more people would quit identifying themselves with either party. People need to read more and learn more about politicians and vote off of substance instead of party affiliation. I'm also sick of everyone blaming the government on their problems. I wish that folks would start taking some personal responsibility for their actions, if you only make 30,000 – 40,000 a year…………… why would think that you could afford a 200,000 – 300,000 home. Also, I'm so sick of everyone blaming the oil companies for being profitable companies. When the oil companies were not doing well in the early 2000s and laying off employees no one was trying to help them. I'm proud to be an American but I'm so sick of Americans always trying to play the victim, it’s getting so old. I'm 26 years old and I'm so disappointed in the older generation in America, what kind of examples have you set for us other than to live above your means and then play a victim.

    December 9, 2008 10:13 pm at 10:13 pm |
  143. David in West Virginia

    I couldn't help but read the above comments. As a democrat, I must agree that if Congressman Rangel is guilty, the House should oust him and if the Gov. of Illinois is guilty, remove him from office and let the courts take responsible action to remedy the crime. By the same token, fellow republicans, the same should be said of President Bush, V-P Cheney, and other guilty politicans on your side of the aisle. It's shouldn't be democrat vs. republican when crimes have been committed. That's is what has brought our nation down. We don't stand for what's right, it's an us vs. them attitude, and to our nation's detriment.

    December 9, 2008 10:15 pm at 10:15 pm |
  144. Perry

    We have term limits. It's called voting. We need to vote responsibly, not just because someone is white/black, Republican/Democrat, etc. WE put these low lifes and WE can vote them out. MLK had it right – it's the 'content of their character.'

    December 9, 2008 10:18 pm at 10:18 pm |
  145. fred

    Seen my comments are always deleted. So here goes. There isn't a Dem or Rep that isn't on the take. There is not one of them worth the power to blow them to hell. Forget the third party, there just as bad.

    December 9, 2008 10:21 pm at 10:21 pm |
  146. The Commish

    The New Day has Dawned and The Spotlight is now Shining on the Dirty Democrats Again

    Run Bugs Run. You can run but You Cant Hide!

    December 9, 2008 10:26 pm at 10:26 pm |
  147. BOB FROM DOWN UNDER

    TO MAKE THIS SHORT.

    I FULLY AGREE WITH ANNIE THE DEMOCRAT . I FEAL SHE UNDERSTANDS FULLY HOW THE DEMOCRAT GEARS HAVE WORKED FOR YEARS IN AND AROUND CHICAGO POLITICS.

    i WILL ADD , HOW COMES THE MEDIA DIDN'T COVER THIS UP . TOO BG !!! WRIGHT ##

    December 9, 2008 10:31 pm at 10:31 pm |
  148. FreeNLovIt

    To Impeach Obama...

    First impeach W and Chen ey then we can start talking about the other politicians,, meanwhile, all are forigiven

    December 9, 2008 10:35 pm at 10:35 pm |
  149. Independant Vet

    Brian , TO CLEAN THIS ALL UP , YOU WILL HAVE TO START WITH OBAMA. . HE HAS NEVER CLEANED UP ALL THE SCANDALL THAT IS LYING OUT THERE.

    WHERE IS OBAMA'S BIRTH CERTIFICATE ???

    WHERE DID ALL DONATIONS COME FROM , ? WHAT FOREIGN COUNTRIES. ? MOST EVEN OVER THE LIMITS .

    OBAMA LIES , AN MORE LIES. SAID HE HAD QUITE SMOKING ,
    ANOTHER LIE. UH HUH , FLIP AN FLOP.

    THEN WHAT ABOUT ACORN , ANOTHER MEDIA COVER UP.

    December 9, 2008 10:42 pm at 10:42 pm |
  150. devin

    i wonder if you media types will hold rangel's feet to the fire as you did with the palin non-controversy. i am surprised you libs had the gumption to to actually conduct real journalism and run with this story. imagine a fellow lib in trouble and the clinton news network asking questions; the next thing i'll see is you fawning fools challenging mr. unbelievable (whose done abs. nothing) when his big gov't policies run this country farther into the ground...good luck to you. devin

    December 9, 2008 10:54 pm at 10:54 pm |

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