He’s 82 years old, he has health issues, he’s suffered ethics violations and he has been a congressman for 21 terms. Now, voters of New York have decided they’re behind him for a 22nd term.
Who says only cats have 9 lives? Charlie Rangel, the “Lion of Lenox Ave.” defeated 4 Democratic challengers last night to virtually win yet another term to represent Harlem in the halls of congress.
“I’m just glad that my community has faith and confidence in me,” Rangel told reporters as he declared victory at Sylvia’s, the famed Harlem restaurant.
For decades, the Harlem district Rangel represents has been predominately African-American. But in recent years, the district has seen an influx of whites and Hispanics, with Hispanics now the largest minority group in the area. Still, the veteran Rangel was able to pull out a victory, garnering 45% of the vote and beating his closest challenger, Adriano Espaillat, by 6 percentage points.
Rangel still must face a Republican challenger in the general election in the fall. But since Harlem is a heavily Democratic district, Rangel’s election is a mere formality and he is virtually assured of yet another term.
It seems one of the hardest things to do is get rid of politicians and preachers who have long since overstayed their time in their positions.But who is to blame for guys like Rangel, Strom Thurmond or even, dare I say, Eddie Long being able to maintain their positions and retain their power EVEN when it's clear they need TO GO???Their constituents/followers..smh.