Rangel Probe Taking its Toll

For years, Charles Rangel has been a visible, vital presence in the Capitol, bantering with reporters or booming gravelly-voiced greetings to well-wishers who yell “Charlie!” at him in the Rotunda.

But last week — just before the Republicans’ third attempt to punish Rangel — the Harlem Democrat appeared visibly tired and thinner than usual, and he barely spoke above a whisper when a reporter approached to ask a question.

The strains of the ongoing House ethics committee probe into Rangel’s finances — coupled with escalating attacks by the GOP — are wearing on the 79-year-old Korean War hero, people close to him say.

Read more: (Glenn Thrush, “Rangel Probe Taking its Toll,” Politico, 10/14/09)