Cardoza Giving Up Rangel Money

On March 3 — the same day scandal-troubled Congressman Charles Rangel, D-N.Y. stepped down as the House Ways and Means Committee chair — Berryhill called on Cardoza to give the money he’d received from Rangel to charity.

Rangel’s fall came after the House Ethics Committee ruled last week that he violated congressional gift rules by taking corporate-funded trips to the Caribbean.

The first Democrat to give back some of Rangel’s money — Michael Arcuri, D-N.Y. — did it Tuesday.

Cardoza’s spokesman, Mike Jensen, said that Berryhill’s assertions are ridiculous. Cardoza, like others in Congress who received money from Rangel since they’ve been in office — Cardoza got $7,000 — is giving the money to charity.

Jensen didn’t say what day Cardoza decided to give back the money — just that it was earlier in the week.

Read more: (“Loose Lips: Click Here if You Like Google,” Merced Sun-Star, 03/05/10)