Rep. Charles Rangel announced Wednesday he will temporarily step down as chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, saying he didn't want his ethics controversy to jeopardize election prospects for fellow Democrats.
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y. leaves after making his statement on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, March 3, 2010. Rangel has temporarily stepped down from his post as committee chairman.
(Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo)
The 20-term Harlem congressman held a news conference on short notice, telling reporters, "My chairmanship is bringing so much attention to the press, and in order to avoid my colleagues having to defend me during their elections, I have this morning sent a letter" asking House Speaker Nancy Pelosi "to grant me a leave of absence until such time as the ethics committee completes its work."
clipped from abcnews.go.com
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