Charles Rangel (D) of NY stepped town “temporarily” from his chairmanship of the powerful position on the Ways and Means Committee. This is the Congressional committee that plays a great part in determining the tax bill for the average taxpayer. Rangel has represented his New York district for four decades.

It seems the congressman did not report his corporate sponsored trips to the Caribbean and paid no taxes on these excursions. Like any good politician, Charles Rangel blamed his staff for the oversights. Congressman Rangel is also under fire for other transgression. Tax evasion is one of them.

Back in New York, the congressman is under investigation for having multiple rent-controlled apartments in clear violation of the law. It seems the major player in the writing of the tax laws, does not think they apply to him. He is joining a long list of New York politicians under fire, not the least of them Gov. Paterson.

Rangel has tried to fend off the Ethics Committee investigation by lavishing campaign funds on its members. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been protecting the New York congressman for some time but can do it no longer. Dan Rostenkowski, who held the post before Mr. Rangel ended up in jail. Is the same fate awaiting Charles Rangel? While the case plays out, Sander Levin of Michigan will take Mr. Rangel’s place.