Rangel Confronted With New Ethics Allegations (He's pathetic in video)

National Legal & Policy Center ^ | December 6, 2010 | Peter Flaherty

[jazusamo]

Appearing on New York City's Channel 5 this morning, Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) was asked about allegations that he improperly used funds from his so-called National Leadership PAC for his legal defense in his House ethics case. Rangel responded by calling the allegations "ridiculous" and attacking NLPC.

Video & article My Fox New York 7:02 minutes

The allegations were first made by NLPC in a Complaint to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on November 29.  The New York Post reported yesterday that the FEC has opened an investigation as a result. Drudge linked to the Post story today. Katrina Trinko of National Review Online and Rachel Slajda of TPMMuckraker also report on the Complaint today, as does Jordan Fabian of The Hill. Click here to download an 11-page pdf of the Complaint.

On Channel 5 this morning, Rangel never addressed the substance of the Complaint, namely that he used almost $400,000 in PAC funds to pay his lawyers in violation of the Federal Election Campaign Act, allowing him to drag out the ethics investigation for over two years.

Rangel also violated House Rules. Members of Congress may use funds from their personal re-election committees for legal expenses related to their official actions. The National Leadership PAC is not Rangel's re-election committee but what is classified as a "leadership PAC," the purpose of which is make contributions to other candidates.

Rangel's attack on NLPC today was similar to his attack on August 10 on the House floor. Today he told co-host Rosanna Scotto:

The group that put that out (the Complaint) has been the same group that sends out solicitations "let's bring down Charlie Rangel."

In the past, Rangel also dismissed our allegations about his failure to pay taxes on income from his Dominican Republic beach house, and his acceptance of corporate-funded Caribbean junkets. It turned out we were right.

[jazusamo]

All Charlie can do is blame others and filibuster when asked specific questions.

[isthisnickcool]

Just about every politician on the state level and up has some kind of damn "group" they push. Usually called something like "Eagles for the American Way" or whatnot.

In Texas, for example, if you chat with soemone that is in the Texas Legislature they will always have one of these groups they will steer you to put money in to. After you do that they will help you with "your" legislation.

None of thes groups should be allowed to exist! They should all be outlawed and along with that (changing subjects) all so-called "nonprofits" in America should be disbanded and not given any special legal or tax standing unless the entity clothes, feeds or houses humans. Other than that no more 501c(3) type organizations that get their postage partially paid by the taxpayers, etc. Mosty countries do not even allow "non-profits". Mexico, for example, does not have such a thing.

Rangel, like most in Congress, does not understand the first thing about business and commerce. There was a reason why the founders wanted average people right off main street to go to Washington. We needed people back then that understood how to make and handle money. We need that more today than just about anytime in our past. It is bad business to have "community organizers" and people like Rangel who have no concept of making a buck be in government. They are poison to our system that is built on producing a product or service and then selling that product or service. And they are killing this country.

[henkster]

He is exactly what his constituents want. A crook elected by a district of crooks.

[FreeperDoll]

if he was white he be in jail

[jazusamo]

Well said...Those “community organizers” may as well be labeled con men because that’s what they are.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks jazusamo.

On Channel 5 this morning, Rangel never addressed the substance of the Complaint, namely that he used almost $400,000 in PAC funds to pay his lawyers in violation of the Federal Election Campaign Act, allowing him to drag out the ethics investigation for over two years... Rangel's attack on NLPC today was similar to his attack on August 10 on the House floor... In the past, Rangel also dismissed our allegations about his failure to pay taxes on income from his Dominican Republic beach house, and his acceptance of corporate-funded Caribbean junkets. It turned out we were right.

The wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round, round and round.

Obama's said nothing, because he plans to wait until his reelection campaign to play the race card on this.

"Republicans haven't addressed any corrupt politicians in their own party. Waah! Waaaaah!"

[bareford101]

I agree with your words 100%... they want him or they wouldn’t elect him... trash selecting trash

[nikos1121]

Funny how the republicans who are embarrassed quickly resign. This guy makes you feel guilty for accusing him.

I think this is reminiscent of the first chapter in How to Win Friends and Influence People. You can’t convince a person that they’re bad.....even when they are bad.

[Lil Flower]

**if he was white he be in jail**

You know what to say!

[mcenedo]

I wonder when the NYSlime pick up on this story.

They haven't yet.

[jazusamo]

I would guess what little hair I have left that’s not gray will be by the time the Slimes print anything on it.

[exit82]

Someone tell Ben Stein, who still thinks Rangel is a hero.

[jazusamo]

Yep, I lost a lot of respect for Stein. Charlie’s war record has nothing to do with his years of corruption.

[Bellflower]

I have heard that the dems want him out to make room for a lock stepper. They think he has too much influence and it isn't all in the direction they want to go.