The Press Plays Cat and Mouse With Charles Rangel

ABC News' John R. Parkinson reports:  As Congress works to finish its legislative business today before members head back to their respective districts for a six-week recess, Rep. Charles Rangel has decided to play a game of cat and mouse with the press. Rangel had been extremely accommodating with the press in the days and hours leading up to the Ethics Committee hearing Thursday, where he was hit with 13 violations of House rules. Even after the hearing, Rangel was accommodating, reacting candidly to the day's proceedings on-camera."I don't know how to say no comment," he told reporters in New York last weekend.   But today, reporters would soon learn, is a new day. The press assembled early this morning to stake out the New York Democrat as he arrived at his Capitol Hill office. Rangel arrived at 9 a.m. sharp to discover the large group of reporters and television crews camped outside of his office. "Nothing has changed as of last night," Rangel said. "I wish I could talk with you." But today it is becoming increasingly clear that Rangel does not want to address the press. Just before noon, as a bell rang to signal the start of a series of votes on the House floor, reporters positioned themselves near a bank of elevators anticipating the route Rangel had used without fail all week long. A spotter from another network watched Rangel walk out of his office and signaled TV crews to begin recording before he scurried to join the scrum. Seconds later, Rangel's chief of staff, George Henry – who regularly escorts the embattled congressman past reporters, appeared — but, for the first time — without Rangel. Journalists and photographers rushed past Henry to discover that the normally loquacious Rangel had evaded cameras and rushed to a bank of elevators in the opposite direction. ABC News asked Mr. Henry about the maneuver and the loyal aide coyly replied, "Have a good day." Down, but not out, the scrum of journalists regrouped, determined not to be out-foxed by the 20-term congressman again. As the series of votes was completed in the House Chamber, reporters lined the hallway immediately outside Rangel's office, prepared for a showdown. More spotters spread out up and down the hall and around the corner determined not to be beat again. But the news crews soon learned that careful coordination among dozens of reporters is no substitute for four decades in Congress. Rangel suddenly emerged from the elevator and hurried 20 feet into an alternative, side door leading into his suite of offices in the Rayburn House Office Building.
Rangel's chief of staff soon appeared once again wearing a wide grin and telling ABC News once again, "Have a good day."
Rangel: 2; Press: Zero. The next — and perhaps final — opportunity to catch Rangel on Capitol Hill before he heads home to Harlem should come during a second series of votes late this afternoon. Unless Rangel knows of a convenient fire escape, laundry chute or heating duct to crawl through.  Three strikes and you're out for reporters.