Unethical conduct

The charges against Rep. Charles Rangel are out. There is really nothing new in the 13 counts of ethics violations lodged by a special House subcommittee on Thursday against the 20-term congressman.

However, the fact that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct took the extraordinary step of formally accusing one of its own, in this case a former chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, attests to the seriousness of the accusations.

The allegations have been known for years, but the panel took nearly two years to collect the evidence to prepare a formal case alleging that Rep. Rangel failed to disclose $600,000 in income on his congressional financial statements and failed to report income and pay taxes on rental property in the Dominican Republic. He is accused of using his office to solicit donations for a public affairs school to be named after him: the money allegedly was sought from corporations with business pending before his Ways and Means Committee. Another charge is that he used one of four rent-controlled apartments he occupied for campaign purposes.

The subcommittee equally divided between Democrats and Republicans concluded that Rep. Rangel exhibited a "pattern of indifference or disregard for the laws, rules and regulations of the United States and the House of Representatives."

Rep. Rangel was not cooperative in the investigation and through a statement by his attorneys defended his actions. The next step could be an ill-timed trial in September that would be embarrassing both to Rep. Rangel, who is seeking re-election, and to Democrats.

In Washington's toxic atmosphere, there is an unfortunate penchant to see Mr. Rangel's personal troubles in political terms. Republicans are already making him a campaign issue as they recall Speaker Nancy Pelosi's promise to "drain the swamp" and rid the House of corruption.

In the interests of self-preservation, cautious Democrats are distancing themselves from their colleague. Some are calling on him to resign to spare them and the House.

Negotiations are reportedly continuing in attempts to work out a deal that might salvage Rep. Rangel's political career.

But it may be too late. A deal now will look like favoritism or special treatment. The credibility of the House is at stake. Rep. Rangel should resign. If not, the public needs to know all the facts that will come out in a trial.