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New York: Alan Grayson Pitches for Charlie Rangel

Former Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.), running in a Democratic-leaning district in a bid to return to Congress, today emailed supporters soliciting donations for vulnerable Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.).

In the June 26 Democratic primary, the 82-year-old Rangel faces the most difficult election of his career since he unseated longtime Rep. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. (D-N.Y.) in 1970.

Grayson recounted Rangel’s biography, from his tough childhood in poverty to his heroic service and wartime injury during the Korean War.

“Charlie Rangel, that child of the ghetto, that fatherless dropout, that juvenile delinquent, that bedridden, wounded, crippled young man, is now the 20th longest-serving Member of Congress in history,” Grayson wrote. “Anybody can do anything.”

“Politics being politics, four people are running against Charlie Rangel in New York’s June 26th primary. Last time, it was five. In a recent debate one opponent referred to Rangel, who is 82 years old, as ‘antiquated,'” Grayson wrote. “Well, I know Charlie Rangel. He is like a fine wine. He gets better with age.”

Grayson goes on to ask supporters to contribute to both him and Rangel.

Despite the support of many fellow Members of Congress, Rangel has struggled to raise a solid sum of money.

Grayson, who was one of the 111th Congress’ most colorful, outspoken Members, is a fundraising juggernaut.

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