Despite ethics cloud, Rangel easily wins primary

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Washington Post

Despite ethics cloud, Rangel easily wins primary
By Paul Kane
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 15, 2010

NEW YORK - Facing ethics charges in Washington and upstart challengers at home, Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.) won a resounding victory Tuesday to keep the Harlem-based House seat that he has easily controlled for 40 years.

Rangel, the ousted Ways and Means Committee chairman who has been charged with 13 counts of violating House rules, ran an aggressive campaign for the Democratic nomination, betting that the people who have known him longest - voters in the 15th Congressional District - would send him back to Capitol Hill with a political victory before the House ethics committee tries him later this year or early next year.

"I go back to Washington stronger than I've ever been," Rangel declared as supporters presented him a victory cake from singer Aretha Franklin.

Despite a crowded field, Rangel won a majority of votes - 51 percent, with 95 percent of precincts reporting. His most aggressive challenger, state Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV, had 24 percent. Community activist Joyce Johnson, who received the surprise backing of the New York Times editorial board, had 12 percent.



Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/14/AR2010091407143.html

[napi21]

1. I realize Charlie may have done some unethical things, but

the people he represents love him. I also wonder just how much many of those charges were trumped up by the Pubs to get Charlie out ofthe house? They HATE HIM, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if at lease some of the things he's charged with were not true by segments taken out of context to hang him.

Congrats Charlie.

[DesertFlower]

2. i agree. nt

[sabrina 1]

3. I just posted a link that talks about the right-wing 'charity'

that has been after him for years. I posted the link in another thread in GD. And they are just one rightwing group that have targeted him.

So, it is a good question. I believe it is a witch hunt. And I hope he wins this battle. He is a genuine War Hero who nearly lost his life serving this country, and his constituents love him because he has dedicated his life to their interests.

Yay for Charlie. He could not come close to the criminality of the war criminals he fought so hard to stop if he lived several more life-times. Until they are all held accountable, I really don't think there's any justification for going after him on such minor charges, true or not. Btw, he denies them.

[robcon]

4. Horrible outcome.

n/t

[DoctorK]

5. yeah, I don't understand

how someone hiding their income from the IRS and using four rent controlled apartments in NY is getting a pass for his behavior.

What would happen to any of us that didn't disclose some of our income on our taxes when the IRS found out?

Apparently what's good for the Treasury Sec. is good for the Chairman of the Ways and Means committee.

Taxes are for the 'little people'.

[Kingofalldems]

6. Hmmm---you seem familiar

Interesting post.