Why 2014 might be different for Espaillat-Rangel/Espaillat race.

[hrmjustin]

Azi Paybarah

In his final congressional race, Rep. Charlie Rangel has joked and danced and generally looked a lot better than he did in 2012, when a back injury curtailed his ability to campaign in a newly redrawn district and he nearly succumbed to a primary challenge from State Senator Adriano Espaillat.

Yesterday, a Siena poll appeared to validate Rangel's efforts, showing a widening lead over Espaillat, his closest challenger. (The Espaillat campaign responded by engaging Siena in a debate about its polling track record and methodology.)

But, with just four days until Tuesday's primary, there are plenty of reasons for Espaillat to think this year’s race is looking a lot better for him, too.

Espaillat lost to Rangel by just 1,086 votes in 2012, and, Siena poll notwithstanding, several key factors appear to have shifted in his favor this year.

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/city-hall/2014/06/8547572/why-2014-might-be-different-espaillat

[hrmjustin]

1. "Uncle Charlie" Rangel and Pras teaming up for campaign flash mob, gov't-side presser

CELESTE KATZ

Don't see that on Charles Rangel's schedule every day: "4:00 PM - Flash Mob at Harlem Shake."

As he fights state Sen. Adriano Espaillat to the finish to hang on to his chance for a 23rd term, the Democratic congressman's campaign team is playing up his Saturday appearance at "Uncle Charlie’s First Day of Summer Community Flash Mob Dance Party at Harlem Shake."

The promo tries to stir up the pre-primary love for Rangel with promises of dances including The Cupid Shuffle and The Wobble -- and an appearance by Pras Michel, a founding member of The Fugees.

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/uncle-charlie-rangel-pras-teaming-campaign-flash-mob-government-side-presser-saturday-blog-entry-1.1837857