Representative Charles B. Rangel called on the House Ethics Committee today to look into whether he had violated any rules by using Congressional letterhead to raise money for a new educational center at the City College of New York that was named after him.
Mr. Rangel’s request came days after The Washington Post reported that that the congressman had written letters on Congressional stationery seeking meetings to solicit contributions from corporations and foundations for the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service at the City College of New York.
In a Capitol Hill news conference, Mr. Rangel predicted that the committee would find that he had committed no ethical violation. He also lashed out at The Washington Post, saying that part of his aim in asking for the inquiry was to clear his name and “whoop'’ the newspaper.
“I think you are being annoying now,'’ Mr. Rangel snapped after a Washington Post reporter attending the news conference asked if the congressman’s conduct created the “appearance'’ of impropriety. Mr. Rangel added that he would seek a public apology from the newspaper when the committee had completed its inquiry.
Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) fought back Thursday, ripping into the Washington Post, following questions surrounding his fundraising methods for pet projects. He's now calling on the House Ethics Committee to investigate.
No one can ever accuse Rangel, the House Ways and Means Committee Chairman, of being a pushover. Days after he dealt head-on with a controversy surrounding his campaign's use of a rent stabilized apartment, Rangel is now squaring up against the Washington Post. His bottom line: he's willing to place himself under investigation in order to clear his name.
Careful what you wish for Rangel, you just might get it.
As he ended his news conference, the Rangel told reporters that whatever happens, he doesn't believe this story will do anything to harm his political career.
We shall see Rangel.
Travis
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