Tom McClintock For Congress

When will Brown Return Tainted Rangel Money?

Charlie Brown wants to clean up Washington; just ask him. Read his words but more important examine his actions in the developing ethics investigation of Rep. Charlie Rangel, Chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

Here is the rhetoric posted on the Brown website: “Charlie knows that Washington is broken, and partisan politicians are the problem.  Charlie Brown's loyalty is to our country--not a political party or special interest donor.” Brown has also said “Congress is losing the moral authority to lead every day the news is about corruption, bribery, campaign-finance scandals and cover ups.” (Brown press release 10/6 2006.) So what has Charlie done? He took $11,500 in tainted cash from Rangel. And despite the fact that another Democrat is returning the money, Charlie is not giving up the ill-gotten loot, or calling for a Rangel resignation. Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA) did the right thing and gave up Rangel’s tainted cash.  When will Brown follow suit?  “Loebsack is now the first House Democrat to return campaign money from ethically-embattled House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.). His decision to return the money will put pressure on other Democrats, particularly those in contested races, to do the same.” (Politico, 9/22/08)

“Taking and keeping thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from one of the most powerful and partisan Democratic Congressmen belies Brown’s theme of patriotism before partisanship,” said McClintock for Congress Communications Director Bill George. “It’s time for him to put his money where his mouth is and return the thousands of tainted dollars. Or does he think it’s OK for one Charlie to take money from another?”