In the midst of a corruption scandal, Sen. Charles Rangel easily wins re-nomination by Democratic voters. There are two reasons. I am not running for public office so I can be frank and truthful.
The first reason is that, among Democrats, ideology trumps integrity. Freedom from corruption is not only not required, it doesn’t even seem to be an asset. Ex Mayor of Boston, James M. Curley campaigned for re-election from a prison cell where he was serving time for stealing from the very people from whom he was seeking re-election. He won handily.
The second reason is that Rangel represents a heavily Black district and in that community race trumps everything.
Charming Charlie knew he had nothing to lose by thumbing his nose at the investigation. He is a Democrat.