House GOPers Jump On Rangel's Ethics Problems
House Dems not only have to deal with a challenging political enviro, they must now also deal with
the aesthetics of having the chair of the powerful Ways and Means being accused of a violation by the ethics cmte.According to the AP,
Louboutinthe panel ruled that Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) knowingly accepted Caribbean trips from a corporation that lobbied Congress, which is against the chamber's rules.
Rangel, though, defended his actions.
wow power leveling"I don't want to be critical of the committee but common sense dictates that members of Congress should not be held responsible for what could be the wrongdoing or mistakes or errors of staff unless there's reason to believe that member knew or should have known, and there is nothing in the record to indicate the latter," Rangel said.The AP reported that the cmte decided against formal charges such as a censure.
House GOPers were quick to tie Rangel's bad news to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Dems in general.
ed hardy sunglasses"Once promised to be the 'most ethical congress in history,' the Democratic majority now has a serious ethics scandal on its hands thanks in-part to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi," NRCC spokesperson Ken Spain wrote in a statement tonight.
GOPers have long called for Rangel to temporarily step down from his post at Ways and Means while the ethics cmte finishes its investigations into his finances, which are still ongoing. But Rangel has kept his position,
boots on saleeven after GOPers forced an Oct. 2009 House floor vote on whether he should keep his chair. Rangel survived on a party-line vote.
As Dems are trying to refocus on jobs and health care, the last thing they need is a protracted debate with GOPers over Rangel. But it looks like they'll be having that debate, again.
ed hardyThe fashion world paid touching tribute to designer Alexander McQueen at a private funeral held on Thursday at London's Saint Paul's Church.Friends and family gathered as the 40-year-old designer, known to his inner circle by his first name, Lee, was laid to rest, one week after the groundbreaking fashion figure hanged himself.
Among the attendees were close pals Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Stella McCartney and Daphne Guinness, who wore a dramatic black veil and flowing cape from the designer's Fall 2002 collection, according to the paper.
Rolex WatchesWhile Moss attended the services in a black fur coat and Louboutin heels, Campbell accessorized her all-black outfit (complete with feathered hat) with a McQueen bow-shaped clutch.Members of the McQueen family reportedly turned up in the family tartan, seen in his 2006 Highland-themed show.Meanwhile, the paper reports that a larger memorial service will take place later this year.