Rangel Lawyers Up, Hires Clinton Spin Doctor

He's feigning outrage and demanding a probe of himself by the Democrat-controlled House Ethics Committee, as if they're going to find this sleazebag guilty of anything or even if they do, issue anything more than a love tap on the wrist.

Though in a sure sign of guilt, he's lawyered up with one of the oiliest spin doctors in recent memory, Lanny Davis.

Frankly, the guy should just give up those cushy rent-controlled apartments and be done with it. He might even come off looking magnanimous, although that might be stretching it, considering what a sleazebag he is.

Rep. Charles Rangel asked the House Ethics Committee yesterday to investigate allegations that he improperly received sweetheart deals on four rent-stabilized apartments at Lenox Terrace in Harlem.

While denying any wrongdoing, Rangel is taking the matter seriously. He has tapped hot-shot Washington defense lawyer Lanny Davis to try to handle the controversy.

In a letter to House ethics-panel chair Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-Ohio), Rangel requested a review of "unfounded allegations against me with respect to apartment units that I have rented in my congressional district in Harlem."

"Some in the press have repeatedly - and erroneously - insinuated wrongdoing in my dealings with the landlord at Lenox Terrace. There has been no wrongdoing."

The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct would look at whether the difference between the reduced rent that Rangel pays and the market value of the units constitutes a "gift" banned under House rules.

One of the apartment units in question was converted into a campaign office. Rangel said last week he would give up that apartment.

Previously.