Congressman Rangel walks out on his ethics trial

Charlie Rangel (pictured), Democrat Congressman from Harlem, walked out of his House ethics trial after the committee weighing his fate refused to delay the proceeding.

Rangel, who faces 13 counts of violating House rules, appeared Monday morning without a legal team beside him, saying he could not afford representation and requesting the delay until he could do so.

Rangel had previously said he would represent himself without a lawyer.

Despite Rangel's absence, the committee's staff attorneys continued with their case against him, making an early motion for a summary judgment against the long-serving Democrat, meaning that no further witnesses or evidence would be heard before the committee votes on each count against Rangel.

More here.