Rangel Scrambles to Save Himself

What's he willing to admit to and what will they let him get away with?

The Associated Press has learned that New York Democrat Charles Rangel is making a last-minute effort to settle his ethics case. A settlement would mean that Rangel must agree that he committed some ethical misconduct.

The talks were confirmed by people familiar with the situation, but who were not authorized to be quoted by name.

Rangel stepped down earlier this year as chairman of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee because of an earlier ethics charge. A settlement would spare him an embarrassing ethics trial. It also would be a relief for other Democrats, who fear that an dragged-out ethics proceeding during the fall election campaign would hurt their ability to maintain their House majority.

The ethics committee's trial phase has been scheduled to commence Thursday afternoon.

In a tough election year the Dems don't want to look weak on corruption, especially after the way they beat the GOP over the head in 2006 on the Mark Foley affair. I'm not sure Charlie will be able to cut a deal he'll be very happy with. Chances are he gives up his leadership roles as committee chairs and lives out his days as a power behind the throne. He won't be voted out by his district, so at worst he fades quietly into the background.