As others have noted there have been some political developments in New York today involving Governor Paterson and Congressman Rangel. In news that is slightly less surprising than the idea that the sky is blue, grass is green and rain is wet, the reactions of the two men have been slightly hypocritical.
Governor Paterson announced he won’t seek re-election. In his statement he spent most of the time talking about all the things he’s done as Governor. He then indicated that because he could not both run for office and serve the people of New York that he won’t run for re-election (or election since he technically has never been elected Governor).
The fact that he’s endured months of scandal after scandal and that virtually then entire Democratic party was telling him to quit did not seem to enter in to the decision. His only real mention of the incidents was to talk about how he was going to be exonerated.
Congressman Rangel has been found guilty of doing basically the same things Tom Delay did. When Delay did them Rangel (correctly in my view) said he should step down. But now that Charlie has done the same things somehow he doesn’t think it merits stepping aside.
Even worse he tried to blame his staff for the mess. Shame on you Mr. Rangel.
Paterson did at least step aside, Rangel should do the same.