First Cracks Could Appear in Support for Rangel

During the year-long congressional ethics investigation into Rep. Charles Rangel, the New York Democrat has enjoyed steadfast support from his Democratic colleagues on Capitol Hill.

That could begin to change today.

A number of Democrats are expected to abandon Rangel later this afternoon and vote with Republicans on a resolution calling on Rangel to be booted as the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. This is the third time that Republicans have brought up a vote on the House floor to dethrone Rangel –- but this could be the first time that at least a few Democrats might cross the aisle.

Read more: (Brody Mullins, “First Cracks Could Appear in Democrats’ Support for Rangel,” The Wall Street Journal’s “Washington Wire” blog, 10/07/09)