Despite his earlier defiance in the face of “devastating” ethics charges (“I’m in the kitchen, and I’m not walking out”), Congressman Charlie Rangel is now reportedly trying to negotiate a last-minute settlement with the House Ethics Committee, which would allow him to avoid a drawn-out “trial” that could hurt Democrats this fall. As part of the deal, he would have to admit to ethical wrongdoing, which most people probably assume he’s guilty of anyway. [AP via TPM]
