House Ways And Means Chairman Charlie Rangel Steps Down

House Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel announced this morning that he has stepped down from his position temporarily. Rangels leadership has come into question from both Republicans and Democrats.

The House ethics committee recently admonished Rangel for accepting corporate money for trips to Caribbean conferences in violation of House rules, though the committee said they could not determine whether Rangel actually knew who was paying for the trip. The committee is continuing an investigation into Rangels use of official stationary to fundraise for a college center in his name, as well as his late disclosure of previously unreported assets.

Pelosi has been behind Rangel, supporting him this whole time. He claims that he has stepped down from his chairmanship so his colleagues will not have to defend him during their elections. Stepping down? Perhaps, he has a guilty conscience?