WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – President Barack Obama called ethics charges against Representative Charles Rangel “very troubling” yesterday and said he hoped the lawmaker could end his career “with dignity.”
Democrats have urged the New York lawmaker, one of the most senior members of Congress and its former chief tax writer, to settle the charges to avoid a trial they fear could hurt them in congressional elections in November.
Obama’s comments may be seen as indirect encouragement for Rangel to cut a deal or step down for the good of the Democratic Party. If he resigned, that would effectively end the congressional investigation.
“I think Charlie Rangel served a very long time and served his constituents very well, but these allegations are very troubling,” Obama said in an interview with CBS television.
