Filed under: News, Politics, President Obama
He's served in Congress for almost 40 years, but Tuesday's primary in New York will be unlike any other for Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel.
The 80-year-old Rangel is fighting five challengers and an ethics trial in the House later this month on 13 alleged violations.
In years past, his re-election has been a slam dunk. While he is expected to win again, Rangel's taking nothing for granted.
On the eve of the primary, robocalls using former President Bill Clinton's voice went out telling voters: "We need Charlie to go back to Washington, to work with President Obama to say, 'Yes.' "
In July, Obama called the allegations against Rangel troubling and said in a CBS interview that he hoped the embattled congressman could end his career in dignity.
Of Rangel's five opponents, Adam Clayton Powell IV has the biggest name recognition. He is the son of the late U.S. Rep. Adam Clayton Powell, who served from 1945 to 1971 and was defeated by Rangel after a scandal-plagued career.
Despite Powell's recognition, The New York Times editorial board said the assemblyman has done little in Albany and instead endorsed Joyce Johnson, a former business executive and educator who has run for state offices.
As other candidates seized on the ethics cloud hanging over him, Rangel has remained defiant, declaring nothing "will stop me from clearing my name from these vile and vicious charges."
Those charges include alleged income tax and financial disclosure violations and using his influence to solicit donations for a college policy center bearing his name from corporate heads and others before the House Ways and Means Committee.
Rangel chaired the committee before being forced to step aside because of the accusations.
Tuesday's turnout will also show whether Rangel has kept pace with the changing demographics in Harlem, the heart of his district.
What's been known as the "capital of black America" is now majority Latino with a growing population of gay white men.
Source: CNN
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Kevin Eason is a freelance editorial cartoonist and Illustrator from New Jersey. His brand of satire covers news events in politics, entertainment, sports and much more. Follow him on Facebook.
Source: CNN
Kevin Eason is a freelance editorial cartoonist and Illustrator from New Jersey. His brand of satire covers news events in politics, entertainment, sports and much more. Follow him on Facebook.