New Rangel Challenge From Adam Clayton Powell IV

In a twist of fate, New York lawmaker Adam Clayton Powell IV will use Charlie Rangel’s ethics problems against him in an upcoming House Democratic primary, much as Rangel used similar allegations against Powell’s father to unseat him in 1970. But Powell’s decision to mount a challenge “has nothing to with revenge or anything like that,” he tells the Wall Street Journal. “The fact is, it is time to turn the page.

Powell will announce his candidacy formally on Monday. His path won’t be easy, despite Rangel’s weakened position. Rangel brushed off a challenge from the younger Powell in 1994, and Powell was recently convicted of driving while impaired by alcohol. And though Rangel’s future looks compromised by the multiple charges against him, he's pulled reelection victories with more than 90% of the vote. The primary will be held Sept. 14. (More Adam Clayton Powell Jr. stories.)