Despite the first tiny glimmer of a centrist revolt, House Democrats on Wednesday quashed a GOP bid to force Ways and Means Chairman Charles B. Rangel to step aside until an ethics probe is resolved.

The House voted, 246-153, to refer to the ethics committee — and effectively kill — a GOP privileged resolution (H Res 805) aimed at forcing out Rangel as chairman until after completion of the investigation into his financial dealings.

Two Democrats from Mississippi, Gene Taylor and Travis W. Childers , voted with Republicans in opposing the referral. Democrats Gene Green of Texas and Mike Quigley of Illinois voted “present,” as did 17 other lawmakers, including nine of the 10 ethics panel members (Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren , D-Calif., did not vote).

Republicans said they believed their attacks on Rangel were gaining traction. There were no similar Democratic defections Feb. 10 when the House voted along party lines, 242-157, to table a similar measure (H Res 143).

The ouster resolution was sponsored by John Carter of Texas, who serves as secretary of the House Republican Conference.

“We cannot tolerate a double standard in this country, one for the common man and another for the rich and powerful,” said Carter, a former state judge. “To allow Mr. Rangel to continue to serve as chairman . . . sends a clear message to the American public that this government refuses to abide by the same laws they impose on the working people of this country.”

No ‘Subjective Comment’ From Rangel

Rangel, D-N.Y., took a front-row seat in the well of the House and listened to the reading of the GOP resolution with his chin perched in one hand. He left the chamber as the voting began.

“All I can say is I voted for the motion,” Rangel said. “I been waiting patiently for the ethics committee to make a judgment. That’s where it belongs. It doesn’t belong on the floor.”

He declined to criticize the ethics panel. “I don’t want to make any subjective comment,” he said. “Naturally, it’s a thing that bothers me and my family. That’s enough comment.”

Taylor said he broke ranks to vote against referral of the resolution because of concern about the delayed conclusion of the investigation of Rangel that began last year. “The ethics committee has worked on this for months. . . . He should step aside,” Taylor said.

Democratic leaders such as Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, an assistant to Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, defended the ethics committee and said there was strong support among Democrats for letting the panel complete its work before taking any action against Rangel.

“We all want the ethics committee to act expeditiously,” Van Hollen said. “This is in the purview of the ethics committee right now.”