Rangel Asks For Probe Into Charity Solicitation

House Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) filed the first of two formal complaints against himself with the House ethics committee on Wednesday, an unusual move aimed at tamping down allegations the lawmaker has misused his public office.

In a letter delivered to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, Rangel asked the panel to review his use of official stationery to organize fundraising efforts for a City College of New York facility that bears his name.

“If I inadvertently violated House Rules, I am prepared to trust the Committee’s judgment and accept its finding,” Rangel wrote. “I would appreciate your most comprehensive review and expeditious reply to my request for advice.”

Read more: (Jennifer Yachnin, “Rangel Asks For Probe into Charity Solicitation,” Roll Call, 7/24/08)