Charlie Rangel, a flamboyant and longtime Democrat congressman who represented the Harlem area of New York for almost 50 years, died today at age 94.
I served with Charlie and always liked him. Aside from being a natural orator (and a devasting opponent in debate), he was a kind and funny man. When I was a freshman member in 1997, I sat with Charlie one night and asked about his 1970 primary race against the legendary and longtime Harlem congressman, Adam Clayton Powell, whom he had unseated that year. Already a 26-year veteran of the House, Charlie made himself available to this newcomer. He pulled out a sheet of paper and diagramed for me his entire electoral strategy to upset the internationally known incumbent.
My favorite memory of Charlie occurred the day that the press announced that Congressman Amo Houton (R-NY) (1926-2020) had become the first billionaire to serve in Congress. Amo—a blue-blooded fellow--had served as president of Corning Glass Works, a company founded by his great-great-grandfather in the 1850s.
That day Amo stood on the House floor as colleagues surrounded him and offered congratulations on his fabulous wealth and notable achievement. In time Charlie sidled alongside Amo. Wrapping his arm around the newly declared billionaire's shoulder, Charlie pulled himself closer as he bellowed in his deep and gravelly voice:
"You know, Amo, 'Houghton' was my slave name!"
Rest in peace, Charlie.