NY Mayor Discusses Rangel Charges
NEW YORK -- New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg appeared to take a step back from Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), saying his being hit with allegations of ethical wrongdoing was “not good for New York.” Speaking with David Gregory on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Bloomberg called the situation “sad” and added, "He was one of our representatives, and was going to be a powerful one who could really deliver for New York.” Also sidestepping questions about Rangel Sunday was House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) who said on ABC’s “This Week” that she was “out of the loop” on the investigation by the House ethics committee. Rangel faces 13 counts of violating House rules relating mostly to efforts to raise corporate contributions for an educational institute bearing his name while he served as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. Even President Barack Obama has appeared to widen the gap between himself and the congressman in recent days. In an interview Friday with CBS News, Obama seemed to suggest Rangel wrap up his long career on Capitol Hill, saying the charges were “very troubling” and he was sure Rangel wanted to “end his career with dignity.” Asked about the comment Saturday at a barbecue outside his Harlem home, Rangel shot back, “I’ve never gotten a fair shake,” the New York Post reported. But there was one bright spot looming in his social schedule. The Hill, a congressional newspaper, reported Saturday that Democratic leaders and other major party donors have planned a lavish 80th birthday gala for Rangel in Manhattan on August 11. And among those listed as a featured guest for the festivities at the Plaza Hotel? Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
“I'll let Congress worry about whether he did these things that he is-- alleged to have done. The whole thing is, I think, symptomatic of we don't have the kind of disclosure, Congress doesn't have the kind of self policing and openness and visibility that this country deserves," Bloomberg added.
