Rangel Urged to Step Down by GOP

With accusations of tax evasion mounting against Rep. Charles B. Rangel, the top House Republican on Friday called for the New York Democrat to step aside as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.

House Minority Leader John A. Boehner said that by remaining chairman amid reports he failed to report or pay taxes on some assets, Mr. Rangel is insulting the House and further eroding voters’ faith in Washington.

“Show the American people that having their confidence in your leadership means more to you than having the opportunity to wield power,” Mr. Boehner, Ohio Republican, said in a letter to Mr. Rangel, urging the man he said he considers a friend to give up the committee gavel while an ethics investigation proceeds.

Read more: (Stephen Dinan, “GOP Urges Rangel to Give Up Post,” The Washington Times, 9/05/09)