Longtime Harlem Congressman Charles Rangel is being investigated for ethics violations by a House panel. (flickr/Congressman Rangel)By Della Hasselle
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — U.S. Rep. Charlie Rangel is making a last-ditch effort to settle an ethics case against him, several news sources reported.
Ethics chairman Zoe Lofgren confirmed Rangel's lawyer was talking to the House ethics committee's attorneys according to the New York Post. The Harlem rep congressman would have to admit to several ethics violations in order to make a deal.
Word of the negotiations comes as the House Ethics Committee was preparing to reveal ethics charges on Thursday against Rangel, who's represented Harlem for nearly four decades.
Rangel has drawn fire in recent years over use of four rent-stabilized apartments in Harlem, tax questions regarding a villa he owns in the Dominican Republic and contributions made to a City College program under his name, the Associated Press reported.
Rangel has denied any wrongdoing.
If lawyers fail to make a deal, trial proceedings would start on Thursday, with a public reading of ethics violations that are still confidential. A last-minute deal would allow Rangel to avoid an ethics trial in the House, which would begin on Sept. 13 — primary day in New York, the Daily News reported.
The impending trial has tested Democrats support of Rangel, and party leaders have urged the embattled congressman to accept a deal, for fear that a protracted hearing would bring other democrats down and lead to the Democrats losing the House in November.
"Everyone would like this to go away," House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told the News.
Links
Rangel Settling Ethics Case
Ethics charges tested officials' report of Congressman Rangel. [DNAinfo/Della Hasselle]
randomwatcher | July 27, 2010