Posted on 05/01/2010 4:04:21 PM PDT by Libloather
Congressman Rangel Comes Out Swinging on PIX News Closeup
MARVIN SCOTT wpix.com
9:42 PM EDT, April 30, 2010
NEW YORK (WPIX) - New York Congressman Charles Rangel put on the gloves for a slugfest with me during the taping for Sunday's PIX News Closeup program. He defended himself against charges of ethics violations, and even challenged my use of the word "charges," insisting he has not been charged with anything but is the victim of "allegations" by newspaper reporters.
I asked if he could own up to any of the assertions against him, including the use of a rent stabilized apartment in Harlem as a campaign office, and failure to report income on a property he owns in the Dominican Republic. "I am not here to admit anything except that I'm the guy they're talking about," he declared.
The House Ethics Committee has been talking about him for 18 months now, but has not concluded its probe. Rangel admitted he has no idea why it is taking so long.
The interview got combattive as I attempted to get the legendary Congressman to talk about the complaints against him. He lashed out, "You don't have one scintilla of evidence that I have done anything wrong as a member of congress, except for what newspaper reporters have said."
Rangel was admonished by the ethics panel last month for taking corporate sponsored trips to the Caribbean, though it found Rangel had no previous knowledge of the sponsors, information staff members failed to pass along to him.
Republicans who had made several futile attempts to have Rangel removed as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, were stepping up the pressure when Rangel decided to step aside, but only temporarily until the investigation is completed. "I thought it made a lot of sense to step aside and then see what happens." Rangel insisted he was taking a leave of absence as chairman and seemed to get annoyed when I told him the House Parliamentarian and a host of Republicans considered his action a "resignation."
He waved his arms as he repeatedly denied any wrongdoing during his 40 years in Congress. At moments the interview got quite heated, but Rangel managed a smile and acknowledged "Marv I know you're doing your job, ask me anything you want."
When I asked him about the challenge he faces by three declared candidates out for his House seat, he dismissed it and said, "anyone can run, anyone, but you have to be on the ballot." He didn't seem to feel threatened by Democrats Adam Clayton Powell IV or Vince Morgan or Republican Rev. Michael Faulkner.
Asked if he felt more vulnerable as he seeks a 21st term, Rangel would only quip, "I feel more experienced."
During the taping, Rangel called the new immigration law in Arizona "outrageous." He said he supports financial report on Wall Street, and expressed the believe that the economy is back on the upswing.
My entire interview with Charlie Rangel airs at 6 am Sunday and afterwards on our webpage at WPIX.com/Newscloseup.
Didn’t Rangel defeat an Adam Clayton Powell in 1968(?) in large part over Powell’s questionable ethics?
LOL! Rangel's right about that, more experienced at corruption and living on the voters money.
He'll get by with a little help from his (crooked crones) friends.
Well, who else would provide the evidence? Who provided the evidence used against Nixon?
ML/NJ
What he’s really thinking is “My brother Barack will protect me.”
When are any of these scumbags going to jail? When?
He's gotta be telling the truth.
Why anonymous people buy me vacations all the time!! Don't they buy them for you?
Rangel Scandal Timeline | National Legal and Policy Center
www.nlpc.org/stories/2009/10/07/rangel-scandal-timelineCharles Rangel | National Legal and Policy Center
www.nlpc.org/category/people/charles-rangelEthics Committee Nails Charles Rangel on NLPC-Exposed Caribbean ...
www.nlpc.org/.../ethics-committee-nails-charles-rangel-nlpc-exposed-caribbean-junketWSJ Highlights NLPC's Efforts to Expose Rangel's Tax Evasion ...
www.nlpc.org/.../wsj-highlights-nlpc’s-efforts-expose-rangel’s-tax-evasionWashington Post Calls on Rangel to Resign Ways and Means ...
www.nlpc.org/.../washington-post-calls-rangel-resign-ways-and-means-chairmanshipNLPC Alleges Charles Rangel Hid More Income in Complaint to House ...
www.nlpc.org/.../nlpc-alleges-charles-rangel-hid-more-income-complaint-house-ethics-committeeRangel Repays Caribbean Trips With Campaign Cash | National Legal ...
www.nlpc.org/stories/.../rep-rangel-pays-exotic-trips-lawyers-campaign-cashPhoto Casts More Doubt on Rangel Claims | National Legal and ...
nlpc.org/.../photo-casts-doubt-rangel-claim-ignorance-junket-sponsorshipRangel Wants 90% Tax Rate for Wall Street; 0% for Himself ...
www.nlpc.org/stories/2009/.../rangel-wants-90-tax-rate-wall-street-0-himselfRangel Applauds Obama Offshore Tax Crackdown; Will Charlie Give ...
nlpc.org/.../rangel-endorses-obama-offshore-tax-crackdown-will-charlie-give-nabors-refund
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Progressives are never at fault for misdoings. The are only responsible for the good that is done in the world.
Ethics? We don’t need no stinkin ethics!
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