Rep. John Lewis: Race not a factor in Rangel ethics case

Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), a leader of the civil rights movement and prominent member of the Congressional Black Caucus, said Tuesday he doesn't think the ethics charges against Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) are racially motivated.

"I don't think race is involved," Lewis said.

The comments followed Rangel's meandering, 37-minute speech on the House floor in which he defended himself, blasted his critics and called on the ethics committee to expedite the public trial he faces in September.

Some in the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have suggested race might have been a factor in the House ethics panel bringing charges against Rangel and Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), another member of the black caucus, who has been charged with three ethics violations.

Rangel and Waters have both downplayed race as a factor.

Lewis also said if he were Rangel, he would not have made the floor speech — and he was somewhat surprised the New York Democrat did.

"If I were in his shoes knowing what I know, I would have been quiet," Lewis said.

Lewis also made it clear he is not defending Rangel, who is battling 13 counts of violating House ethics rules.

"I'm not backing up anyone," he said. "I think the process must be followed."

Commenting on the Rangel's speech, Lewis said: "It's very hot here in Washington. … I think we all need to go back home and cool off."

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