3/2/2010

APPLETON— State Rep. Roger Roth is calling on Rep. Steve Kagen to return $21,000 in campaign donations from embattled New York Congressman Charlie Rangel.

Rangel, a Democrat, was admonished by the House Ethics Committee last week for taking corporate-sponsored trips to the Caribbean. He also is facing allegations that he used his office to raise money for an academic center named for him and that he used his stature to rent out four rent-controlled apartments in Harlem.

“While many Democrats call for Rangel’s removal as chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, Mr. Kagen says nothing,” said State Representative Roger Roth, a candidate for the WI 8th Congressional seat currently held by Steve Kagen. “Many of his Democratic colleagues, who also received donations from Rangel, have returned their money, and all Mr. Kagen can do is make himself unreachable for comment.”

According to the Federal Elections Commission, Congressman Rangel has given at least $6,000 to Kagen since 2006. The Rangel National Leadership PAC has donated another $15,000 to Kagen in the same time period.

“It is time to find out where Steve Kagen’s loyalty lies,” Roger Roth said. “It seems Mr. Kagen likes to speak through his voting record, so what does voting twice to keep Rangel in office say to the people of Northeastern Wisconsin?”

“As elected officials, it is not only our duty to speak for our constituents but also to hold the highest ethical standards,” Roger Roth added. “Mr. Kagen should do the right thing and return the money.”