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Raging Rangel Denies Rent Deal

Lawmaker defends taking up 4 rent-controlled units in city short of housing

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 12, 2008 5:48 AM CDT

(Newser) – A testy Charles Rangel yesterday brushed off accusations that he had enjoyed special treatment in occupying four rent-controlled apartments, reports the New York Times. The veteran Democratic congressman denied he had a "sweetheart" deal with his landlord and slammed the Times article that started the controversy. The 78-year-old chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee expressed pride in being a lifelong Harlem resident, and said he pays the "maximum legal rent" for the units.

Asked he if thought it was fair for him to take up four units, three as a residence and one as an office, when there is a shortage of affordable housing in the city, Rangel said, “The question of fairness is so subjective.” At one point in the sidewalk press conference he was accosted by angry residents who accused him of ignoring their complaints about people being evicted. Asked by a Times reporter why he didn't disclose his rent discounts on his financial disclosure reports, Rangel shot back: “Paying the legal rent is not a gift. Are you doing this deliberately, or are you just stupid?”

Rep. Charles B. Rangel, D-N.Y speaks in front of his apartment in Harlem, New York for a news conference, Friday, July 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Ed Ou)

A view of the Harlem building Friday July 11, 2008, where New York Representative Charles B. Rangel has come under fire for enjoying four rent stabilized apartments. (AP Photo/Ed Ou)

Rep. Charles B. Rangel, D-N.Y stands in front of his apartment in Harlem, New York for a news conference, Friday, July 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Ed Ou)

New York Representative Charles B. Rangel responds Friday, July 11, 2008, in Harlem, to a newspaper report that says he has four rent-stabilized apartments in Harlem. (AP Photo/Ed Ou)

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Raging Rangel Denies Rent Deal

Lawmaker defends taking up 4 rent-controlled units in city short of housing

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Astor Suite at the Plaza is now on the market

Dem Wu Won't Seek Reelection

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Oregon Dem Wu Accused of Sex Assault

Young woman accused rep of unwanted sexual encounter

Weiner Officially Resigns: 'It's Been an Honor'

Effective midnight tomorrow as tourists flock to his offices

Weiner Tells Top Dems He'll Step Down

'New York Times' reports decision came after long talks with his wife

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Raging Rangel Denies Rent Deal

Lawmaker defends taking up 4 rent-controlled units in city short of housing

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

New York City • congressman • housing • rent • Charles Rangel • Harlem • political scandal

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

New York's Priciest Rental: $165K a Month

Astor Suite at the Plaza is now on the market

Dem Wu Won't Seek Reelection

Hasn't decided whether to serve out remainder of term after sex allegation

Oregon Dem Wu Accused of Sex Assault

Young woman accused rep of unwanted sexual encounter

Weiner Officially Resigns: 'It's Been an Honor'

Effective midnight tomorrow as tourists flock to his offices

Weiner Tells Top Dems He'll Step Down

'New York Times' reports decision came after long talks with his wife

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Newser By Users

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