Seals gives up campaign cash from embattled Congressman Rangel

Democrat Dan Seals has taken hits from GOP opponents for years for taking campaign cash from U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel, the allegation-plagued head of a powerful tax-writing committee in Congress.

Now that Rangel has finally stepped aside from the post under intense pressure, Seals is giving the money to charity. Seals is running for the 10th District Congressional seat.

Seals' campaign announced Wednesday that the Wilmette business consultant gave $14,000 to local charities in the 10th District, which reaches from northern Cook County into Lake County. That falls short of the $55,000 amount that Seals' Republican opponent Robert Dold, a Kenilworth businessman, has called on him to return.

Seals deputy campaign manager Jamie Crain said they are giving up only direct contributions from Rangel that have come in over the last two election cycles. This is Seals' third run. The other $41,000 came from fundraisers associated with Rangel.

Rangel announced Wednesday that he would temporarily step down as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. After lengthy investigations, the House ethics committee admonished Rangel last week for accepting corporate-sponsored trips to the Caribbean. The New York Democrat is now being investigated for failing to report assets, including his interest in a Dominican Republican guest unit.

Dold and Seals are now battling to replace U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, a Highland Park Republican running for Senate.