Dem Ethics Chair Asks Rambling Charlie Rangel to “Be Seated” at Hearing – Video 11/15/10

Here is video of the Democrat Chair of a House Ethics Subcommittee, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, asking embattled Dem Rep. Charlie Rangel to “be seated” after he rambled extensively following her simple question whether there was any objection to the committee counsel’s motion to introduce evidence against Rangel. It is Rangel’s contention he is being denied an attorney at the proceeding, even though it has been his own decision to not to continue retaining an attorney. He claims he cannot afford one, but the committee has said it is not their responsibility to get him a lawyer. After letting him ramble for awhile, Lofgren asked Rangel to “be seated.”

Rangel later threatened to walk out of the proceedings, but did not have to when a member of the committee made a motion for the proceedings to be continued to a later time. The committee decided to deny the motion during Executive Session. Rangel left the proceedings while the committee was in Executive Session.