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photo courtesy of kptyson (flickr)
Politico is reporting that Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY 15) is “on [the] verge of losing [his] gavel; Chuck Todd is tweeting it is a done deal:
NBC News has learned Charlie Rangel will voluntarily give up his Ways and Means chairmanship, possibly as early as tonight.
[50 mins. later. . ]
More Rangel: He just told the press he’s still chairman RIGHT NOW of Ways and Means. But sources say he’ll agree to leave tmro
The obvious next in line for the chairmanship of the powerful House Ways and Means committee is Sander Levin, the Democratic Rep from Michigan’s 12th district (and older brother of Michigan Senator Carl Levin). Todd, however, is also tweeting both that Sandy Levin might only be a temporary chair and/or that the gavel will instead pass to Pete Stark (D-CA 13).
Rangel has been dogged by long-simmering ethics investigations and charges that he violated house rules. GOP House members have vowed to bring a resolution to the floor calling for the Harlem Democrat’s removal as chairman. When CBC member Artur Davis (D-AL 7) and 13 other Democratic representatives called on Rangel to step aside earlier today, leadership no doubt feared that additional defections in this election year could push the resolution over the top. Rangel and Speaker Pelosi met earlier this evening, where it is believed Rangel agreed to step aside.
Update: More Todd tweeting:
Stark or Levin for Ways & Means? If Rangel “temporarily” steps aside, Stark takes over; if it’s a longer term deal, expect Levin to get it
7 Comments
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Interesting.
Beyond Rangel and the change in of itself, are there any other considerations worthy of consideration regarding the stepping down and replacement of Rangel? Does any of this impact HCR? Other House legislation?
Aside from Repugs thumping the issue and branding Dem’s as crooks, which happens even when it’s NOT true . . . ;-)
Rep Charlie Rangel shouldn’t run again for the House either…..Corrupt Democrats are as bad as the Republican thugs.
That tweeting Todd’s a twit. Can’t stand him.
“The obvious next in line for the chairmanship of the powerful House Ways and Means committee is Sander Levin”…
Errr, did the House suddenly repeal its seniority rules? Pete Stark is next in line, he may end up being bumped for Levin (or John Lewis), but he’s on deck.
Healthcare implications… If Stark were Ways & Means Chairman a year ago, the House healthcare debate would have had a “public option on steroids”, Stark is sponsor of the HR 193 Americare bill.
DrSteveB: Strong Public Option: 100% Coverage & Cost Control
Levin’s a nice guy, but cutting out Stark would be a defeat for progressives (and a victory to the former committee member who left the House a year ago to become White House Chief of Staff).
Thanks Gregg. Sounds like progress.
Rep. Rangel not only needed to step down as ways and means chairman, but due to the overwhelming corruption that follows him day to day he needs to resign. Protecting this man from his own corrupt dealings and doings will only serve to hurt the party in the upcoming elections. From what i see and know as of this very day, our own party has did enough to hurt their re-election chances as it.
Perhaps our politicians have become too big to be jailed. So a simple step aside is all that can be mustered.