Nancy Pelosi Backs 22-Term New York Rep. Charlie Rangel

AP. DONNA CASSATA

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi on Monday endorsed Rep. Charlie Rangel, joining a long line of party leaders backing the 22-term congressman ahead of a highly competitive primary in three weeks.

"From his time in uniform during the Korean War to his leadership on the Ways and Means Committee to his passion and persistence on the House floor every day, Congressman Rangel has proven himself a courageous, innovative, dedicated public servant, who always fights for working families," Pelosi said in a statement.

Rangel faces a competitive June 24 primary against state Sen. Adriano Espaillat and Baptist minister Michael Walrond in a district that spans Harlem and upper Manhattan and is now predominantly Hispanic. Rangel edged out Espaillat by fewer than 1,100 votes in the 2012 primary.

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