Charles Rangel faces 'serious' challenge in former staffer

Harlem is home to several legendary African-American political leaders: New York's first black congressman, Adam Clayton Powell., the city's first black mayor, David Dinkins, and the dean of Harlem politics, Congressman Charles Rangel.

But suddenly, Rangel faces what his staff admits is a very serious challenge.

"I've decided to run for Congress," 2010 congressional candidate Vince Morgan said. "I think the community is ready to look beyond the current congressperson, Charles Rangel, to a future and the question has always been what happens after Charles Rangel?"

This challenge comes from Vince Morgan, a community banker and newcomer on the Harlem political scene. Morgan was Rangel's former campaign manager but thinks it's time for new leadership to step up.

"It's about time some new folk come into the mix to be a part of the leadership in upper Manhattan," Morgan said.

Rangel has represented Harlem for nearly 40 years. His office called the challenge from Morgan, "serious."

The announcement comes on the heels of Rangel's highly publicized ethics investigation over his failure to report taxes.

It's an investigation that could cost Rangel his powerful seat as head of the Ways and Means Committee. And to make matters worse, some of Rangel's constituents feel he is distracted by the ethics probe.

"We have several projects that have been stalled that maybe had he not been distracted by the ethics investigation he would have been able to give more attention to," Harlem's Homeowner Association president Arnold Boatner said.

Harlem residents may be ready to groom a new leader but many think Rangel should be treated fairly until the outcome of the investigation is known.

"He is a legendary congressman and I think he should be given the benefit of the doubt and due process," said Harlem resident Elkhair Balla.

"We do need new leadership but I just hoped that they would come in on his legacy and not his demise," Harlem resident Jeanne Nedd said.

To the Harlem community, the removal of Rangel could mean unseating a political legend and a key negotiator to Democratic issues.

Longtime Rangel ally Barbara Minch, CEO of a community health care group, says Rangel is right on target when it comes to important issues like health care reform.

"People will talk about that he might be distracted by the ethics probe, but he can tell you what's on page 72 of a 800 page bill," Minch told theGrio. "It's amazing how he is so focused on the health care reform. "

But it may take more than focus to convince the Harlem community he can still be an effective leader.

"If he loses the chairmanship of the Ways and Means Committee he would not be as effective," Boatner said. "I guess the real question is at 80 years old would he really want to continue. He's had quite a political ride."

A ride that may be coming to an end and a historic community left to figure out who will be their next political force.

Edited by Morgan Whitaker