WASHINGTON - Following the embattled Rep. Charles Rangel’s “leave of absence” from the chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee, Michigan Rep. Sander Levin, the next most senior Democrat on the committee, took over as acting chairman after California Rep. Fortney Pete Stark informed lawmakers this morning that he would not do so.
Stark, 78, was officially next in line for the spot as the second highest ranking Democrat on the committee, but it was unlikely he would be named permanently to the position since he would have difficulty building a consensus among committee members, sources said.
Levin, also 78, said in a statement yesterday: “The Ways and Means Committee plays a vital role on critical issues facing American families, including, job creation, economic development, and health care. I look forward to moving vigorously on this agenda.”
Rangel stepped down from the top tax-writer position earlier this week, saying he did not want to be a burden on Democrats facing re-election while he battled against a number of ethical allegations, including charges that he failed to report income taxes. Rangel characterized the move as temporary, but sources doubt he will be able to return given the challenges facing him.
