Increasingly impatient House Democratic leaders are prodding Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) to make a deal with the ethics committee before charges against him are unveiled Thursday, top Democratic officials told POLITICO.Fellow Democrats told POLITICO that they believe he's dragging his feet in a futile effort at total vindication. Democrats worry that his stubbornness could add to their losses in November by helping Republicans, who have vowed to build a "culture of corruption" narrative using ads, mailings and talking points.
A senior Democratic aide said leaders will insist that Rangel resolve the accusations before the August break. The leaders calculate that the political consequences could be grave if the matter drags on and are considering going public with their demand if Rangel does not act on his own.
"Democrats don't want to give Republicans an opportunity this summer," the aide said. "Rangel is very well liked, but no one is willing to lose their seat or chairmanship over him."