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Rangel gets primary challenge from former campaign director

By Michael O'Brien - 10/12/09 01:11 PM ET

Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) will face a 2010 primary challenge from one of his own former campaign directors.

Vince Morgan, a New York banker who once worked for Rangel as a special assistant and subsequently as a campaign director, announced Monday that he would challenge Rangel for reelection.

Morgan's announcement comes after months of ethical scrutiny surrounding Rangel in regard to his alleged failure to have paid certain taxes and disclose some income on congressional filings.

Rangel has represented Harlem in Congress since 1971, during which time he has risen to become chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Rangel has won his district — currently New York's 15th — overwhelmingly during the past few election cycles, having received only token Republican opposition.

"It's time for change," Morgan said in a press release. "Our district needs new leadership that is in touch with the community and the issues that confront us today.

"The 15th district deserves good leadership," Morgan added. "I hope voters will unite and empower me to be their voice in Washington."

Source:
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/62659-rangel-gets-primary-challenge-from-former-campaign-director

Comments (21)

rangel geister should be throwed out now. A grand Jury show be called and investigate his filthy corrupt ways right along with pelosi being an acessoryBY jake2 on 10/12/2009 at 14:49
Charlie Rangel is my congressman. I will give his primary challenger a serious look.BY Jeff on 10/12/2009 at 14:50
If the Democrats keep this up, in another 10 or 15 years, they might start approaching the corruption record of the Republicans. They can always receive consulting from Tom DeLay and Jack Abramoff if they want to brush up.BY James R. Montaine on 10/12/2009 at 18:09
This guy despite questions about Rangel… has no chance in [***]. Who trusts a banker these days given all we are hearing from Wall Street? They are all.. questionable. Not to mention… who ever heard of him? Sounds like he is from Mars. Rangel was clearly careless in his actions— apparently he learned nothing from the downfall of the former lion from that seat Adam Clayton Powell. Snr. But in politics I love drama. Will look to see how this plays out.BY Winsome on 10/12/2009 at 18:10
I have a lot of respect for the long standing congressman! If it just the tax issue bothering you, mccain didn't pay house tax's for several yrs till he did Prez. run. Palin claimed her kids travel on her Governorship tax's, a n got a slap on the hands. The tax thing is a bogus Political stunt.BY alberta treadway on 10/12/2009 at 18:23
Common' Alberta—Rangel is just the worst! He is the head of ways and means and yet neglects to pay his own taxes? Puleeeze!BY AnnaS on 10/12/2009 at 18:42
Rangel's problem is that he became comfortable and complacent. That happens when — like the article says — you only have "token" campaign opposition. And his complacency is precisely what led to the arrogance of accummulating property via "sweetheart" deals by campaign contributors, which subsequently led to not paying taxes. This is exactly why the constituents in that district need to become involved and PROACTIVE in the events people that impact their lives and the vibrant communities of Harlem Washington Heights. I don't know Mr. Morgan, but I think it's high time Charlie Rangel had serious competition for his job.BY Wren on 10/12/2009 at 19:25
The problem isn't just taxes (which is bad enough). The guy's a millionaire and he has 4, count them four rent controlled apartments? The law says you're not supposed to have more than one. There are three new york families of modest means who got gipped because Rangel didn't feel like paying a fair rent even though he could afford it. We demand financial disclosure forms to make it harder to corrupt our lawmakers and to suss out conflicts of interest Rangel just admitted to hiding half a million dollars in assets, just not reporting them on his disclosure forms. The most basic ethics checking hasn't been done on Rangel for years because he's hidden assets. BY TMLutas on 10/12/2009 at 19:38
Alberta, it's not just the taxes, which is bad enough for the man in charge of the committee that writes federal tax laws. He has hidden thousands of dollars of income from rental properties in the Dominican Republic from the required reports of his wealth. He had four RENT CONTROLLED apartments that he was using for campaign facilities which is illegal. He is a corrupt thug who belongs in jail.BY Michael on 10/12/2009 at 19:39
Ah, Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. I admired the man !!!!Rep. Rangel, you're getting us in hot water.BY Lee Cal on 10/12/2009 at 19:39

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