WASHINGTON—Rep. Charles Rangel walked out on his ethics trial as it began Monday, saying it was unfair to ask him to continue without a lawyer that he couldn't afford.

Mr. Rangel's legal team left the case last month after he ran out of money to pay them from his campaign accounts.

He committed more ethics violations while attempting to defend his ethics violations. What more is needed to convict this nitwit?

A trial.

I'd be very surprised if this ever goes to a trial. Taking down Rangle in a trial will just open up others to the same investigation. The good ole boys club do not want that. I suspect that the panel will find violations, recommend some slap on the wrist instead of a trial, and Charlie will quietly fade from view citing his age as a reason not to run again. Only after he's free and clear on any money he's skimmed off the PAC coffers, and after he's test marketed his replacement.

Chisam also said, "I see no evidence of corruption" by Rangel. Rather, he suggested, the congressman was "overzealous" and "sloppy in his personal finances."

So they found him guilty of 11 out of 13 violations.

I'm guessing that with a "prosecutor" who gives statements like this:

he won't get much of a penalty.

What do you suppose your penalty would be had you been "overzealous" and "sloppy in your personal finances."?

What do you suppose your penalty would be had you been "overzealous" and "sloppy in your personal finances."?

When a lawmaker faces censure, the resolution includes a verbal admonition, which may be administered by the Speaker reading the resolution to the Member at the bar of the House.

"I don't know how much longer I have to live," Rangel said."I just want you when you decide on the sanctions that you put in that report that Charles Rangel never sought any personal gain."

Precedence, one they don't want to set for if/when they get caught.

Hang him in the public square. Seriously people should march in there and hang the guy, drag him right out of session.