Facing an upcoming ethics trial, Congressman Charles Rangel was in Manhattan honoring scholarship winners Monday morning, where he admitted that the whole controversy is taking its toll.

"It may not be pleasant, but it's gotta give me a sense of relief. At least we all know where we're going," said Rangel. "But it's painful to have to say, 'no comment,' when people are attacking the very reason that you exist."

Among the charges expected to be unveiled Thursday is that the Harlem Democrat kept several rent-stabilized apartments in his home district and also failed to report rental income of a vacation property in the Dominican Republic.

Speaking to reporters Monday, Rangel said that there are more allegations leveled against him, but citing confidentiality, he could not be more specific.

Press reports have focused on a car Rangel parked for years for free at a Washington garage, and sweetheart real estate deals.

"They waited almost two years and they finally investigated. But guess what? They have some more alleged violations," Rangel said.

Privately, New York Democrats say they're poised to abandon Rangel if Thursday's announcement proves politically damaging. Publicly though, they're still sticking with the dean of the state's congressional delegation, including Governor David Paterson.

"I support Congressman Rangel 100 percent. I support him in his congressional bid. Obviously there are charges that he has to face and I think the resolution of that is something that we don't know, in the future," said the governor.