U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen, D-Appleton, issued a statement this morning on the leave of absence for House Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel following Republican charges that the Appleton Democrat was ducking questions and keeping $21,000 in campaign contributions from Rangel.

The longtime New York congressman announced this morning that's he's temporarily stepping down from his committee post until the House Ethics Committee completes its investigation of two corporate-funded trips to the Caribbean.

"I'm working hard to bring jobs back to Wisconsin and responsibility back to Washington, and if that means leadership in the House of Representatives must change -- so be it," Kagen said.

The National Republican Campaign Committee blasted Kagen earlier for declining comment on Rangel yesterday, when reports said Kagen's campaign "had no spokesman and therefore couldn't comment."

And state Rep. Roger Roth, an Appleton Republican who's seeking the nomination to challenge Kagen this fall, said Kagen's fellow Dems have returned Rangel's donations.

"It is time to find out where Steve Kagen's loyalty lies," Roth said in a statement. "It seems Mr. Kagen likes to speak through his voting record, so what does voting twice to keep Rangel in office say to the people of Northeastern Wisconsin?"