Nearly half of embattled Rep. Charles Rangel’s campaign spending in the last quarter went to lawyers as the veteran Democrat fought to retain his chairmanship, according to new filings.
Rangel dropped $255,000 on his team of attorneys over the last three months, and he’s on track to spend more than $1 million this year on legal fees to fight a slew of allegations being probed by congressional investigators.
Rangel, chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, continued his record as a prolific fund-raiser, bringing in $807,000 last quarter. He has $1.7 million on hand, according to Federal Election Commission filings.
Rangel is under investigation for charges ranging from failing to pay taxes to breaking congressional rules by storing his broken-down Mercedes in a House garage.
Rangel’s office didn’t respond to a request for comment.