The GOP is targeting Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y., and calling for him to step down as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee after the release of amended tax documents by Rangel. Rangel’s documents reveal a plethora of assets that had gone unreported. Among the assets included in the reports are a credit union checking account valued between $250,000 and $500,000, additional mutual fund investments, PepsiCo and Yum! brands stock and three vacant lots in Glassboro, N.J. The findings have led to a media firestorm and The Washington Post released an editorial demanding that Rangel resign his position.
“Much is expected of elected officials, much more is expected and demanded of those entrusted with chairmanships and the power that comes with them, especially when it involves the nation’s purse strings. From all that we’ve seen thus far, Mr. Rangel has violated that trust continually and seemingly without care.”
House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio wrote that Rangel should “set aside your gavel while the Ethics Committee works to resolve the questions that have been raised.”
Rangel has not released an official statement either acknowledging the criticism from the right or affirming that he will step down. He doesn’t appear to be relinquishing anything at the moment, regardless of what the media thinks.
But Rangel’s silence could have a thoroughly damaging effect on himself and the Democratic Party.
Rangel is one of the most powerful figures in Washington, and if the clamor over his inconsistencies and questionable ethics grows, he may have no choice but to step down or suffer the political fallout.
The GOP has long targeted Rangel, and last November there was a push among right-leaning publications and pundits calling for him to step down from his position as chairman.
Rangel’s fundraising and his personal financial dealings are under investigation by one House ethics panel, and a second is investigating the travel of the New York Democrat and four other lawmakers to the Caribbean. Last month, Elbert Garcia, a spokesman for Rangel, issued a statement on behalf of Rangel where the representative stated that he would correct any possible mistakes in his previous financial disclosure.
“Congressman Rangel is confident that his records have been subjected to an exhaustive and complete review, and that the amendments accurately reflect his financial interests,” Garcia said.
Rangel has declined to comment further on the matter until the investigation is complete.
–todd williams
