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This morning, Rep. Charles Rangel of New York walked out of his own ethics committee hearing, claiming he was denied his right to legal counsel. The committee is now meeting in a closed session to discuss whether to postpone Rangel's trial on 13 ethics violations. Here's a sampling of Rangel's remarks:



Naturally, Twitter was ecstatic (if a bit confused) by today's developments.

so now Rangel wants a delay in his ethics trial? thought he was anxious to clear his name?less than a minute ago via TweetDeck


Much about this hearing, which has been scheduled for weeks, seems to be a surprise to Rangel.less than a minute ago via web


Rangel this AM asking for delay in ethics trial so he can hire a lawyer. Uh, what's he been doing the past few months? #slippedmymindless than a minute ago via TweetDeck


rangel is walking out? he's walking out!less than a minute ago via HootSuite


Think of it as the Otter Strategy.  All that was missing was his supporters humming a patriotic march as he walked out.less than a minute ago via TweetDeck


So, 106 new members of Congress come to Washington for orientation and they get to see ... that. #Rangel.less than a minute ago via Seesmic twhirl

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