Lofgren, Rangel Not in Settlement Talks

House ethics Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) is not involved in negotiating a potential settlement with Rep. Charlie Rangel over charges that the New York Democrat violated House rules, according to a source close to Lofgren. Rangel said Tuesday that he did not know whether his attorneys were still in discussions over a possible deal.

A source close to Lofgren said Tuesday that although Rangel has approached Lofgren in recent days, she has refused to discuss the ethics case with him.

“She has never once planned to negotiate … any kind of agreement with Mr. Rangel,” the source said. “She has in every instance refused to discuss the substance and will not do so.”

The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, also known as the ethics panel, announced late last week that an investigative subcommittee had found substantial reason to believe that Rangel broke House rules. The announcement followed a nearly two-year investigation into allegations involving his personal finances, fundraising efforts and other issues.

A special adjudicatory panel is set to organize Thursday and is expected in September to review the matter in a proceeding similar to a trial.

Read more: (Jennifer Yachnin and Daniel Newhauser, “Lofgren, Rangel Not in Settlement Talks,” Roll Call, 07/27/2010)