Rangel says he wants fairness, not “special breaks” in House ethics case against him

Rangel says he seeks fairness in ethics case

NEW YORK — U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel says he doesn’t want “any special breaks” when it comes to charges that he violated ethics rules.

The 80-year-old congressman got a warm welcome when he arrived at a hospital in New York City’s Harlem section on Saturday to speak about health care reform.

Dressed all in white, a smiling Rangel told reporters he is counting on the American tradition of being presumed innocent until being proven guilty.

He says that all he wants is fairness when the House reveals the charges on Thursday.

After 40 years in office, Rangel still enjoys support among many of his Harlem constituents as he faces re-election.