A mainstay in his native Harlem, Congressman Charles Rangel plans on running for a 22nd term in Congress. The 81-year-old, who represented the 15th Congressional district, formally released the statement on Tuesday, dispelling rumors that he would step aside. One of the original members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rangel was charged in November 2010 with 11 ethic violations for failure to pay some taxes and using congressional resources to raise money for an academic center bearing his name.
Censured by the House last year; Rangel received the most serious congressional penalty short of expulsion. His challenger, Manhattan State Sen. Adriano Espaillat, began collecting nominating signatures this week.
Considering his age and long-standing record of work, would it have made sense for him to retire after the scandal? Or, is he justified in not wanting to end his Congressional legacy on a sour note?
