The career of Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) hangs in the balance this week as he battles charges made against him by the House Ethics Committee. Rangel, a 40-year congressional veteran and former Ways and Means chairman, is frantically trying to broker a deal with the committee before the allegations are made public. Such a deal would likely force the congressman to admit to unethical behavior, which is thought to include a coverup of financial dealings. Rangel insists he has done nothing wrong, but the Democrats want him to avoid a public trial that could be damaging for their broader electoral prospects. Should he fight the charges? (Watch a Fox report about Rangel's battle.)
Rangel ought to fight ... so we know what he's done: Rangel is angling for a "tap on the wrist" from the Ethics Committee so he can "bull his way to re-election," says an editorial in the Chicago Tribune. But allowing him to "cut a deal" means his crimes will never come to light. The Democrats are desperate to avoid an embarrassing trial just months before the midterms. But "that's exactly what needs to happen."
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