Should Charlie Rangel fight or fold?

Facing charges from the House Ethics Committee, the New York Democrat says he's done nothing wrong. But his party wants him to resign. Should Rangel keep fighting?

Should Charlie Rangel step down?
(Image credit: Getty)

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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