Apparently there are some Democrats from New York that are beginning to experience the ill effects of having an unrepentant House Ways and Means Committee Chairman like Charles Rangel around for the 2010 elections.
Politically vulnerable junior Democrats have been agitating with more senior counterparts to intervene -- either with Rangel or with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) -- in an attempt to ease Rangel out as Ways and Means chairman until the House ethics committee completes its review of the allegations against him, members tell POLITICO."The past month it's escalated," said one of the lawmakers, noting that Rangel's restatement of his personal finances in August "put additional pressure on those members" from northern swing districts.
"There's concern. There's rumblings," said another New York member about the dean of the state delegation. "Is it palpable? No. But there is talk."
Several members of the delegation said Democratic Reps. Eric Massa and Michael Arcuri, both elected by the barest of margins, have been the most rattled.
As has been mentioned here at Wizbang before, there is one constant at work in the fluid world of Congressional politics: at the end of the day, members of Congress will act in their own best interests. Reps Massa and Arcuri are both feeling the effects of a nascent "throw the bums out" movement that is gaining momentum by the day. While the Chairman of Ways and Means asked in December that his past tax indiscretions be viewed through the prism of his "intent", the growing legions of jobless voters in New York are having nothing of it. Then there is the matter of Rangel restating his net worth this year by over $500,000 in federal tax filings that were somehow filed inaccurately for years. There's something about the unrelenting accumulation of several million jobless voters that can turn an electorate sour. Of course, the idea of a Congressional tax writer (who doesn't pay his own taxes) trying to raise taxes on his own constituents strains credulity.
Charlie Rangel is beginning to look a lot like Tom Foley. When times get tough voters always show that they have long memories. What makes me think Jack Murtha is watching this closely?
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Politics
Tags: Rangel Tax Problems
Comments (10)
What makes you think that? ... (Below threshold)1. Posted by epador | October 19, 2009 8:21 PM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
What makes you think that? Wishful Thinking?
1. Posted by epador | October 19, 2009 8:21 PM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2009 20:21
2. Posted by GarandFan | October 19, 2009 8:28 PM | Score: 4 (6 votes cast)
I really have to laugh at Rangel's excuses. After all, his "intent" was that he wouldn't be caught.
The 2010 election cycle will be interesting because, as you note, "self-interest" has a way of coloring one's view on things. Matter of fact, I think "self-preservation" explains it better.
2. Posted by GarandFan | October 19, 2009 8:28 PM |
Score: 4 (6 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2009 20:28
3. Posted by P. Bunyan | October 19, 2009 8:46 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Rangel knows the things he's done won't matter to those who vote for him. Is he affecting the big picture? Let's hope. Will he have a big affect on the big picture? No,not at all. Will he or Pelosi care enough to do something about it? Unlikely- maybe some farcical moves next summer at the most.
3. Posted by P. Bunyan | October 19, 2009 8:46 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2009 20:46
4. Posted by mlimberg | October 19, 2009 9:41 PM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Hey Charlie, don't forget your KY....
4. Posted by mlimberg | October 19, 2009 9:41 PM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2009 21:41
5. Posted by bobdog | October 19, 2009 11:28 PM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Rangel is dug in deeper than a tick on a hound dog's butt, just like the distinguished Congressman Jack Murtha in the House.
The only thing that will pry them out of office is a change of control in the Senate. Until then, all of the considerable resources of the Democratic party will be used to protect them both.
"Dee-plo-mot-ic Ee-mun-ity, Sergeant Murtaw."
Me? Cynical?
5. Posted by bobdog | October 19, 2009 11:28 PM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2009 23:28
6. Posted by 914 | October 20, 2009 1:08 AM | Score: 2 (4 votes cast)
"Rangel is running out of favors to cash in"
Maybe He should try cashing in His race card chip?
6. Posted by 914 | October 20, 2009 1:08 AM |
Score: 2 (4 votes cast)
Posted on October 20, 2009 01:08
7. Posted by Gmac | October 20, 2009 1:20 AM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Rangel *is* in the House....Ways and Means Chairman.
I hope he and Murtha are held out front and center as prime examples of the political corruption that is being ignored by the House leadership that promised "The most ethical Congress..." by any conservative running for office.
Anyone that wants to remove the Democrats from power just has to point out that the 'conservative Democrat' that was elected in their area is really just an enabler for the corruption and policies being jammed through Congress whether the say they oppose it or not.
7. Posted by Gmac | October 20, 2009 1:20 AM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on October 20, 2009 01:20
8. Posted by Tim | October 20, 2009 11:20 AM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Rangel's corruption may Foley-ize upstate congessman in swing districts, but I have a hard time seeing Harlem voters throwing him out on his ass for any reason.
8. Posted by Tim | October 20, 2009 11:20 AM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on October 20, 2009 11:20
9. Posted by bobdog | October 20, 2009 12:45 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
You're right, GMAC. It was the end of a long day. At that time of day, I'm lukky if I can still spell.
9. Posted by bobdog | October 20, 2009 12:45 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on October 20, 2009 12:45
10. Posted by 914 | October 21, 2009 1:18 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
He really should consider the race card.
10. Posted by 914 | October 21, 2009 1:18 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 21, 2009 01:18