CHARLES RANGEL UPDATE: “Though reporters and constituents have followed the money to tie U.S. Representative Charles Rangel (D-Harlem) along a string of controversies over the past year, he remains a fixture both in Washington and New York as his past credentials and ability to charm a crowd maintain Rangel’s political stature.” Also, Republicans feel they can do business with him, and that he’d just be replaced by another Democrat anyway, so why make a big deal about his numerous ethics problems?

Plus this:

Columbia history professor David Eisenbach ascribed Rangel’s alleged improprieties to a sense of complacency common among elected officials who have served for such long stints.

“Rangel is not unusual in having tax problems,” said Eisenbach, who lectures in American media and politics. “People in power have a tendency to feel that they are above the law. When you are in power that long, and you’re untouchable, it’s very easy to forget. He never has to look over his shoulder.”

Taxes are for the little people.