For Immediate Release

Contact: Chris Healy

September 19, 2008

Flummoxed Four Back Rangel; Democrats Demonstrate Double Standard

Washington, D.C. – Connecticut’s Democrat Congressional delegation put party before the people late Thursday by backing disgraced colleague Charles Rangel of New York, who has donated thousands to their political campaigns.

By a vote of 226-176, the House voted to table a motion to seek Rangel’s removal as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, which writes tax laws for the country.

“When it came time to do the right thing, Connecticut Democrats went with the money,” said Republican State Party Chairman Chris Healy Friday. “Especially Congressmen Chris Murphy and Joe Courtney, who both have pocketed thousands from a man who doesn’t pay his taxes but writes the nation’s tax policy.”

Rangel and has generously supported his fellow Democrats through his National Leadership PAC and Congressional Committee $20,000 to Courtney and $14,000 to Murphy. Democratic challenger in the Fourth Congressional District Jim Himes has received $14,000 from Rangel’s committees.

The long-time lawmaker from Harlem is accused of not paying $75,000 in taxes and abusing New York State rent laws. Many have called for Rangel to step down from his powerful position until the House Ethics Committee has completed its work. Many media outlets have called for Rangel to step aside, including the New York Times and New York Post.

“Funny when Republican officials fall into ethical problems, the Democrats are quick to judge and call for resignations,” said Healy. “But when a powerful Democrat who has showered thousands of campaign dollars on their coffers and is asked to step aside from an important position, Congressmen Murphy and Courtney show how out of touch they are.”

Healy said Democrats pledged in 2006 that the Congress would be “the most ethical” ever.

“Sadly, only money talks in Washington and Democrats can speak in many languages,” said Healy.