Washington DC Adult Entertainment: Ex-freshman, veteran kingpin equal Democratic woes
Written on March 11, 2010 – 8:49 am | by larrylibido
Rangel acknowledged he became a political liability when he stepped aside from his chairmanship. He said staying on would have prolonged distractions for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats.
“It’s not fair to her and it’s not fair to the many freshmen and those who have close districts, that instead of getting their message out, (reporters and constituents) are asking about me,” Rangel said.
If Massa and Rangel were the Democrats’ only problems, the party might be able to control the damage more easily.
But they also must contend with investigations and misconduct of others in the party:
_Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is charged with corruption related to his efforts to fill President Barack Obama’s former Senate seat.
_New York Gov. David Paterson faces two misconduct investigations and increasing calls for him to quit.
_Paterson’s predecessor, Eliot Spitzer, resigned in a prostitution scandal.