Rangel ‘surprised’ at Sharpton comments

[hrmjustin]

Gloria Pazmino

Congressman Charlie Rangel told Capital he was surprised to hear about Al Sharpton's remarks Sunday morning rejecting the idea that Rangel should be accorded one final term.

"I'm surprised that Reverend Sharpton would say that, because he has been one of my greatest supporters since I've been in Congress," Rangel told Capital after attending a memorial services for the victims of the East Harlem explosion last week.

Sharpton made the remarks at an 81st anniversary event at the First Corinithian Baptist Church, which is led by Rev. Michael Walrond, the head of the ministers division of Sharpton's National Action Network, who announced in January that he would challenge Rangel for the congressional seat.

Sharpton has not officially taken a position on the race, but several of his allies have given seed money to Walrond's campaign, and on Sunday, speaking from the podium, Sharpton echoed Walrond’s campaign theme, saying, "I think that we got to really be clear that it's time for us to have a new vision and a new day."

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/city-hall/2014/03/8542060/rangel-surprised-sharpton-comments

[MADem]

1. I love me some Charlie, but I think he should rest on his laurels. Go do other things.

He has put his hand in the cookie jar, gotten it smacked, come back...and he's done some very good things for his district. But his district is changing demographically, and it's time for a new day.

Now, should Al be kingmaking from the pulpit? Hell no. That's not "on" either.

I think the next rep from that district would do well to have a little spanish flavor in his -- or her -- heritage. Of course, it's not my house, I don't live there, but I think that's what would serve the district well.

[hrmjustin]

2. Last time it was close and I think it will be close again.

I think he might actually loose this time.

[MADem]

3. It was close and there were insinuations of voter fraud, IIRC.

He just doesn't NEED the job anymore. He probably thinks his life will be over if he stops, but he needs to go talk to Bill Clinton and learn a little something about doing other things. He's not a young man anymore but he still can make a contribution in his senior years.

If he were smart, he'd pick his successor and help get him or her elected. That's how you go out on a high note.

[hrmjustin]

4. I agree. He should just leave gracefully but he won't.