Rangel Could Have Skated With Reprimand

As Charlie Rangel's case continues its high-profile path, this much is clear: He could have avoided this public trial phase by agreeing to receive a relatively modest reprimand. That's what a House panel recommended, but Rangel rejected the settlement offer over disagreements on just how much wrongdoing he would admit, reports the New York Times. Still, it's possible this could end before the trial gets truly under way—the full House ethics committee reportedly spent most of yesterday discussing another settlement offer.