Rep. Rangel wins primary, despite ethics charges

Embattled Rep. Charles Rangel prevailed in a crowded Democratic primary Tuesday, with voters in his Harlem district signaling they are willing to stand by the 40-year House veteran despite more than a dozen ethics charges pending against him.

Rangel beat back five challengers including Adam Clayton Powell IV, a state assemblyman and son of the legendary Harlem figure Rangel defeated in 1970. Rangel is all but guaranteed re-election in November in this heavily Democratic district.

It was the first time Rangel, 80, has faced voters since a House ethics panel charged him with 13 violations last summer. Rangel has vigorously fought the charges despite pleas from some Democrats, including President Barack Obama, that he consider stepping aside.

- AP