WASHINGTON — So much for “draining the swamp” of corruption in Congress.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who delivered the censure to Rep. Charles Rangel (D-Harlem) for 11 ethics violations two years ago, endorsed his re-election to a 22nd term yesterday.
“He’s been a person who has been here for the working people of our country,” Pelosi, the House Democratic leader, told The Post.
“He has always, always been their champion, most recently on the health care bill,” Pelosi said, calling Rangel “my friend.”
Rangel, 82, is fighting for his political life. He faces strong primary challenges on June 26 from state Sen. Adriano Espaillat and Clyde Williams.
Rangel caused Pelosi headaches after she pledged to “drain the swamp” of anyone committing wrongdoing during her four-year term as speaker.
Rangel was found guilty of soliciting donations for a center in his name at City College, failing to disclose hundreds of thousands of dollars of assets, maintaining a rent-stabilized apartment as a campaign office, and failing to pay income taxes on a Dominican Republic villa.
It was Pelosi who called Rangel to the well of the House in December 2010 to deliver his punishment. The verbal flogging marked the first time in 27 years that the House had to censure a member.