DNAinfo News Editor
MANHATTAN - Rep. Charlie Rangel said on Wednesday that he will step aside as chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, raising the hopes of some who aspire to his congressional seat.
The Harlem Democrat made the announcement during a morning press conference, where he appeared testy at times. Last week, Rangel was reprimanded by the House Ethics committee for violating gift rules when he accepted corporate-sponsored trips to the Caribbean.
The panel is still investigating Rangel for more serious claims including improper fundraising, failure to pay taxes on his vacation home in the Dominican Republic and his use of four rent-stabilized apartments in Manhattan.
Rangel's troubles have stirred up several potential Democratic challengers, including Harlem community banker — and former Tennessee Congressman Harold Ford Jr. cousin — Vince Morgan.
"I respect Mr. Rangel's decision to step down. It's the right thing to do," Morgan said in a phone interview Wednesday.
He said most Americans feel there is the specter of corruption in government and that people are "sick and tired of hearing about all of it," citing both Rangel's improprieties and the allegations against Gov. David Paterson.
Morgan said that up until this point the establishment had pretty much ignored his "alternative campaign," but given the events of the day and what may unfold for Rangel in the future, he anticipates that that may change in the coming weeks and months.
Other potential candidates include Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV, Assemblyman Keith Wright and State Sen. Bill Perkins.
Rangel said that he was only temporarily relinquishing his role as chairman. Michigan Sen. Sander Levin has taken over the post in the meantime.
The move is an abrupt about face from his statements yesterday when Rangel vowed to stay in as chairman.
“You bet your life," he told the New York Times when asked if he was going to retain the role.
