Dems Won't Endorse Rangel, Return His Campaign Donations

On Sunday the New York County Democratic Committee said it would wait to endorse Rep. Charles Rangel’s reelection campaign. Upon hearing the announcement, the long-running official, who’s currently under investigation for a slew of ethics violations, maintained his usual bravado. "This time I may get less than 90% of the vote," said Rangel, who's already in the middle of his 20th term. Still, all over the state Democrats are ripping up checks he wrote them, fearing criticism for taking contributions from the shamed congressman.

Rep. Tim Bishop on Long Island will return a $15,000 contribution from the Harlem Democrat, who recently "took leave" from his chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee, while Rep. Mike McMahon of Staten Island will give back just $1,000 of a larger $70,000 donation. McMahon’s campaign claims the money is clean. "These accusations about contributions from Congressman Rangel are a manufactured issue, plain and simple. Congressman McMahon's potential opponents would like nothing more than to see him with less money in his coffers," said a statement to The Post. The tabloid reports that 30 other Dems have handed back a total of $418,000 and Republicans are already going after politicians who opted to keep their Rangel funds.

As for Rangel’s reelection efforts, Assemblyman Keith Wright, the NY county chairman, claims the Democratic Committee’s delay in giving its endorsement is “purely procedural,” reports the Daily News.