Rangel steps down as tax panel chairman

From MSNBC:

Embattled Democrat takes 'leave of absence' amid ongoing ethics probe

WASHINGTON - New York Rep. Charles Rangel temporarily stepped aside as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee Wednesday as he struggled with mounting ethics woes that left his political future uncertain at best.

Rangel's decision cheered Democrats who feared political fallout affecting their own futures, but did little to satisfy Republicans who had been seeking a formal vote bringing about his temporary removal from the chairmanship.

The 20-term congressman has played a key role in President Barack Obama's attempts to win passage of historic health care legislation, and veteran Rep. Fortney "Pete" Stark of California seemed likely to succeed him.

What do you want to bet that Old Charlie is on his way back down to the Caribbean? -SP