SCOTT RIGELL CALLS ON GLENN NYE TO RETURN TAINTED CASH FROM CHARLIE RANGEL

Freshman incumbent has voted twice to allow Rangel to keep the chairmanship of the House tax-writing committee despite allegations of serious ethical misconduct

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA:  Scott Rigell, Republican candidate in Virginia’s Second Congressional District, called on Democratic freshman incumbent Congressman Glenn Nye to return the campaign contributions he has received from disgraced former House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charlie Rangel (D-New York).  Congressman Rangel is being investigated by the House ethics committee for a wide range of alleged ethical violations, including failing to report on required federal disclosure forms several hundred thousand dollars of income, failing to pay taxes on a vacation home in the Dominican Republic, misuse of a New York City rent-controlled apartment for political purposes, and violating House rules when traveling to a Caribbean vacation conference in 2007 and 2008.

Rangel has already been formally admonished by the House ethics committee for violating ethical rules related to the receipt of gifts.  Earlier this week, he temporarily stepped aside as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee until the ethics investigation concludes.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi promised “the most ethical Congress in history”; however, House Democrats, including Congressman Glenn Nye, have twice voted to allow Congressman Rangel to keep his powerful chairmanship despite the serious ethical allegations against him.

Rigell released the following statement on Friday:

“With each passing day, it becomes clearer that the professional politicians in Washington are out of touch.  Our elected officials are there to do the business of the American people, not to attend Caribbean vacations or use their political office for personal gain.  Twice, our freshman Congressman has had the opportunity to demonstrate leadership on this issue, and twice he has voted with his Democratic colleagues to keep Charlie Rangel as chairman of one of the most powerful committees in Washington.

It is ironic that Glenn Nye has no problem with the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee failing to report potentially thousands of dollars of income when this is the very same committee that is responsible for writing the United States tax code.

It seems that Congressman Nye is more concerned about his reelection than reforming Washington and leading by example.  While a number of Congressman Nye’s Democratic colleagues have returned Rangel’s tainted campaign contributions, our freshman incumbent has refused to do so.   Even the Democratically-controlled House Ethics Committee has admonished Rangel. Congressman Nye should either donate the $14,000 in tainted contributions to local charities such as the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia or return them to his friend Congressman Rangel.  Congressman Nye is supposed to be helping the people of the Second Congressional District, not an ethically challenged, out-of-touch politician from New York.” 

How Do You Stop Pelosi?  Elect Scott Rigell.  Business Sense.  Conservative Convictions.

Scott Rigell, 49, has a proven, 25 year track record of job creation, entrepreneurship and community leadership. The founder and Chairman of Freedom Automotive in Virginia Beach, Scott served his country in the United States Marine Corps Reserve for six years.  Scott earned his B.B.A. from Mercer University and an M.B.A. from Regent University in Virginia Beach, where he and his wife, Teri, reside.  For more information on Scott Rigell, visit him online at www.ScottRigell.com or join his Facebook site at www.facebook.com/scottrigell.  Financially support Scott Rigell and his campaign to bring accountability to Washington by donating here.  You can also contact the Campaign Manager, Jason Miyares at (757) 802-9936 or Jason@ScottRigell.com.

Paid for by Scott Rigell for Congress