Charlie Rangel may defend himself in ethics trial

Rep. Charlie Rangel has split from the legal team defending him in his ethics trial, which may mean the Nov. 15 start date could be postponed, according to published reports.

Some have said Rangel may defend himself because it would be difficult to find lawyers that could prepare in time, reports said. The investigation has been going since 2008.

It’s unknown whether Rangel or his defense firm, Zuckerman Spaeder, severed the relationship.

Rangel, 80, faces 13 charges of violating House ethics rules, including allegations he used a rent-subsidized apartment as a campaign office.

A rep for Rangel didn’t return a request for comment.