U.S. & World

Rep. Rangel Fires Back, Welcomes Investigation

On Heels Of Rent Stabilized Apartment Controversy, Harlem Democrat On Hot Seat Again Over 'Pet Project' Financing

NEW YORK (CBS) ― Congressman Charles Rangel says enough is enough. Under fire, the politician is fighting back. In a stunning move, he's asking for an investigation into allegations of improper fundraising.

Rangel told CBS 2 he will hold a news conference on Thursday to ask the House Ethics Committee to investigate himself, and let the chips fall where they may.

"I am confident i fall within the guidelines of doing the right thing," said Rangel.

Rangel told CBS 2's Political Reporter Marcia Kramer how he has gone about raising money for the Charles Rangel Public Service Center, housed in a City University owned brownstone. He admits he sent out letters on congressional stationery.

"I didn't violate the rules," he said.

But a watchdog group says he did. They want an investigation by the House Ethics Committe that Rangel says he's more than willing to undergo.

"I intend to have a press conference tomorrow morning encouraging an expeditious and investigation or at least a conclusion that there is nothing at all to investigate," Rangel announced on Wednesday.

It's the latest controversy over the Harlem based center. Last year, Rangel was under fire for winnign a $1.9 million appropriation for it.

Questions were raised on Tuesday over whether he solicited donations from organizations with business before his committee. But Rangel says the letters went out to private foundations with no committee business. As for the letterhead?

"I would find it very hard to believe that the better part of ethics would be to write and not let them know who I am on paper," said Rangel.

Rangel says it's all business as usual. But government watchdogs say that's the problem.

"The implied threat here if you will, is that if you don't give, I am going to be unhappy with you...you won't be treated well...that is not a good way for public service to operate," said Meredith McGhee of Watchdog.

McGee says use of the letterhead turns up the heat on potential donors.

"He is using the power and prestige to send a message to other private interests...here's a way to get in my good graces," said McGhee.

Meanwhile, two Republican Congressmen announced plans to challenge any new bills that earmark money for the Rangel Center. With his tongue firmly implanted in his cheek, Rangel said he may just use Thursday's press conference to seek more private donors.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

---