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November 15, 2010
Charlie Rangel: I Need a Delay of My Ethics Trial Because, Poor Me, I Think I Need a Lawyer And I Need To Save Up For One
The guy's got more shady money than Nucky Johnson but he can't spring for his own mouthpiece.
Rangel was not in the room when the case began. Before the case was presented, Rangel argued he's in a "Catch-22" of sorts in attempting to defend himself and asked for a delay in his trial so that he can get a lawyer that he can afford without violating House ethics rules.
Infusing normally dry proceedings with high drama, the 20-term lawmaker said his "50 years of public service is on the line" because he can't afford to get a lawyer and offers for a pro bono defense would violate House ethics rules.
See the link if you want to read about the case presented against him, which seems open and shut.
Monty wonders what purpose could be served by a delay, and suggests that he wants to be tried by a Republican controlled House, presumably so he can 1) claim this is all a partisan witch-hunt and 2) play the race-card like there's no tomorrow.
Video: Via Captain Ed, calling Charlie Rangel's stirring oration "The Otter Defense."