By David Cruz
In a move that casts a setback for Congressman Charles Rangel, the Bronx Democratic Caucus and Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. threw their support for Rangel’s challenger for the 13th Congressional District, state Senator Adriano Espaillat. The first-time endorsement, particularly by Assemblyman and Bronx Democratic Party Boss Carl Heastie, can once again secure victory for Dominican-born legislator in the Bronx, a battleground borough.

But Espaillat still has to contend with the rest of Rangel’s district, particularly Harlem, considered his strong base. Rangel has roughly 30 years of experience over Espaillat, intending to rally his base to a win,

“I am truly humbled to have the support of the Bronx County Democrats,” said Espaillat, flanked by supporters and several members of the Bronx Democratic Caucus.

“… I know he will listen and act when our community speaks,” said Heastie, who veered off his normal path of endorsing an incumbent. “Adriano is a proven fighter and he will carry that tradition on in Congress.”

Espaillat ensured supporters that he can bridge a divide the 13th Congressional District has become, where a spectrum of neighborhoods differ in demographics. Still, issues of affordable housing and healthcare canvas the district, where Espaillat said he intends to address. He also promised a district office in the Bronx, something Rangel has also promised should he win re-election.

But Rangel’s endorsements outnumber Espaillat’s. As of press time, U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand (she barely makes Primary endorsements), Congressman Joe Crowley and several labor unions have huddled around Rangel.

“I’ve seen how, as the Dean of the New York Congressional Delegation, Charlie Rangel has been an effective, progressive leader,” said Schumer, in a statement announcing his support for Rangel. “He’s fought for a higher minimum wage, health care and immigration reform – and he’s not done.”

The Rangel camp didn’t directly respond to the latest endorsement, but added the district “can’t afford to lose the experience and seniority Congressman Rangel brings to the table.”

“The people know they can count on Charlie Rangel to be a champion in Washington to continue fighting for good jobs, better wages, and real healthcare reform for the families of this district and that’s why he is earning their support once again,” said the Rangel campaign.

First Debate
The news came days after Espaillat and fellow challenger, Reverend Michael Walrond, took part in the first debate against Rangel, who delivered several one-two punches at his contenders. And though the debate may have been miles away from the northwest Bronx, it was certainly mentioned, albeit in broad strokes.

The challengers sparred with Rangel at a packed Abyssinian Baptist Church to make their argument on why their vision fits to the changes happening within the 13th Congressional District. The district was redrawn in 2010 to include the northwest Bronx, benefiting Espaillat two years back when he first ran against Rangel.

The debate’s tone was relatively cordial, though there were moments when the two rivals seemed to ally to criticize Rangel, 82, often put on the defensive for his participation in a U.S. Congress that’s accomplished little. Rangel put the onus on Republicans.

The 22-term congressman labeled himself as the “top legislator of the year.” He cited a report by Trackbill, which called him the “most productive member of Congress.” At times he seemed self-deprecating for the sake of laughs, poking fun at his age though ensuring the audience he’s a leader who doesn’t “stay [in Congress] just to stay here and drop dead.”

But Espaillat and Walrond pegged Rangel an ineffective legislator who has allowed high rents to overtake the district, where glimpses of gentrification have sprouted. Rangel remained neutral on gentrification so long as protections were in place for the district’s predominant working class. “We can do that by stopping luxury housing, concentrating on acquiring property the city can build and to make certain that when you talk about building that you’re talking about building affordable housing.”

Walrond countered, casting some blame on high rents on Rangel. “You cannot critique a problem that you were a part of,” said Walrond.

In Agreement
But there were moments when the Democratic rivals found common ground. Each agreed to overhaul the justice system, proposing more alternatives to incarceration. On issues of charter schools, all three candidates approached the question differently. While Espaillat was unclear on his stance on charter schools, believing the preference falls on parents, Rangel and Walrond sided with children who attend the public school system, believing they would be better served if a public school were better funded.

“Like the Reverend said, it’s the children, it’s the children, it’s the children,” said Rangel. “I’ve been through these public schools. No one asked me where I went to school. But at the end of the day, it’s what you know, not where you went to school.”

As the evening drew to a close, popularity seemed to gravitate toward Walrond, a Harlem pastor whose oratory skills overshadowed his inexperience in the political arena. During several moments of the evening, Walrond had received numerous standing ovations from a rhapsodized audience.

But his popularity may not translate in the Bronx, where little is known about the 18-year clergyman whose ties with the National Action Network have made him a formidable rival for Rangel, who draws his power from his Harlem base.

During closing remarks, Rangel had retorted on Walrond’s claim he would be active at his home by asking if Walrond meant his home in New Jersey, a jab at a revelation that Walrond’s recent address was in New Jersey.

The contention between the two could very well backfire for both as Espaillat could edge out both, thanks to the Hispanic voting bloc.

It’s unclear when the first debate in the Bronx will be held, according to an Espaillat staffer.

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