Welch Returns Rangel Campaign Dollars

By Sara Sciammacco, Vermont Public Radio

February 2, 2009

(Host) After being appointed to the House Ethics Committee, Congressman Peter Welch decided to return some campaign dollars. The money had been given to him from a Democratic lawmaker who is expected to undergo an investigation by the committee.

Sara Sciammacco reports from Washington.

(Sciammacco) Welch made the decision to give up $19,000 in contributions from New York Democrat Charlie Rangel. Rangel faces allegations of unpaid taxes and questionable fundraising. The committee has begun a probe into Rangel's matters, and Rangel asked members for further investigation. Welch says he returned the cash to avoid conflict.

(Welch) "Well it is an abundance of caution. I was just appointed to the ethics committee and I am going to do my job and I am not going to shrink from my job. So rather than have the fact that he contributed to my campaign be a question about my decision, I gave it back."

(Sciammacco) Republican House Minority Leader John Boehner and some government watchdog groups think Welch should also step down from the ethics committee. The panel is charged with establishing and enforcing codes of ethical conduct, investigating breaches of rules and laws, and recommending enforcement actions.

From Capitol News Connection, I'm Sara Sciammacco for VPR News.