UNITED STATES - Rangel's New York supporters urge 'no' vote on censure

NEW YORK (AP): Representative Charles Rangel's supporters in New York's Harlem want members of Congress to stand by him.

A group of local leaders says Rangel has worked hard in his decades-long career to support his community. They are urging other members of the House of Representatives to vote no on a recommendation to censure him.

The Democratic congressman was convicted in an ethics trial by a panel of lawmakers on 11 counts of ethical wrongdoing, including his use of House letterheads and staff to solicit money for a college centre named after him. A number of the donors had business before the House Ways and Means Committee while Rangel served as chairman.

The full House is expected to vote after the Thanksgiving break.