Rangel files paperwork for 2012 re-election

Democratic Rep. Charles Rangel plans to run for re-election in 2012 despite his November conviction on several House ethics charges.

The 22-term dean of the state’s delegation filed a statement of candidacy this week with the Federal Election Commission.

Spokesman Bob Liff said he did so to begin fundraising for the campaign.

Rangel was convicted of 11 ethics violations. They include failure to pay some taxes and using Congressional resources to raise money for an academic center bearing his name. He was censured by the House; that’s the most serious Congressional penalty short of expulsion.

Rangel cruised to re-election last year after winning a crowded Democratic primary in September.

Rangel, who’s 80, has spoken of his advanced age, leading some to believe he would not run again.