Rangel Wins Primary Despite Ethics Charges

Embattled Rep. Charles Rangel prevailed in a crowded Democratic primary Tuesday, with voters in his New York City district signaling they are willing to stand by the 40-year House veteran despite more than a dozen ethics charges pending against him.

Special Section: Campaign 2010

Rangel beat back five challengers including Adam Clayton Powell IV, a state assemblyman and son of the legendary Harlem figure Rangel defeated in 1970. Rangel is all but guaranteed re-election in November in this heavily Democratic district.

It was the first time Rangel, 80, has faced voters since a House ethics panel charged him with 13 violations last summer. Rangel has vigorously fought the charges despite pleas from some Democrats, including President Obama, that he consider stepping aside.

Rangel faces allegations that include using House stationery to solicit money for a New York college center named after him; failing to disclose at least $600,000 in assets and income in a series of inaccurate reports to Congress; using a rent-subsidized New York residential use apartment for a campaign office; and failing to report and pay taxes on rental income from a beach villa in the Dominican Republic.

Rangel's district includes Harlem, long the political and cultural hub of New York's black community. But the area has grown younger and more diverse in recent years.

The 48-year-old Powell, who was born in Puerto Rico and speaks fluent Spanish, had hoped to take advantage of the district's changing demographics. But he was bedeviled by problems of his own, including a thin legislative record and sluggish fundraising.

[inketolstoy]

Looks like New York is giving Chicago a run for the "Shadiest Polititicians" award.

[wfw3536]

This is so sad for our country when a guy who broke tax laws that he helped write plus others and he is re elected. This is a problem with our country when folks just do not care.

[askagain]

It is not that people don't care. Rangel's constituents put him back in office. If the rest of the country could vote on Rangel, he would be out of a job. Perhaps his constituents know he is a thief. Their attitude might be "We know he is a thief but he is our thief." Continued support for Rangel may be the result of race issues still lingering in our country.

[jgg000101]

unfortunately, 12 ethics violations are a resume enhancer in harlem.

[starving1968-3]

by ffoulkes-2009 September 15, 2010 7:39 AM EDT
unethical = liberal.






Like starting a war for no apparent reason, or giving control of the entire economy to the wealthy elite is considered "ethical" in your estimation?

[starving1968-3]

The people of NY obviously hate themselves or are racist trash that are voting for this POS because "he looks like them".

His legislative record is terrible, his corruption case is deplorable, and the people are STILL voting for him?

You deserve the legislator that you get.

[usunus]

The sorry state of the nation.

[Smokey75]

Typical Democrats only scream about ethics violation when it comes from the other side of the isle. I thought Ole Nancy was going to "drain the swamp" why has she called for his resignation. Oh that s right when it is a Democrat crook it is innocent until proven guilty but when its a republican crook they are guilty until proven innocent and by that time their life is already ruined.

[lobo62740]

The low-lifers voted in the low-lifer because they have gotten so much for nothing with this guy in. This is a disgrace. But this is exactly who will vote for Obama again no matter what. Crime is an accepted way of life with these people.

[endurorob_5]

So his district will reelect this trash in the general election. After the election the ethics charges go forward. He is convicted and at a minimum is forced to give up his seat. Now his seat is vacant and his district has no representation. Good work voters of this district.

[CMII]

The people have spoken!