Embattled Rep. Rangel, facing ethics charges, thanks hundreds for attending NY fundraiser

Embattled Rep. Rangel thanks crowd at fundraiser

NEW YORK — Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel has told a packed gathering at a fundraiser in New York City that he was deeply moved by the show of support.

Rangel spoke Wednesday to hundreds of attendees at the start of the gala at the Plaza Hotel. He was joined onstage by his wife and daughter.

Most of the state’s top Democratic lawmakers appeared at the fundraiser and were scheduled to speak on Rangel’s behalf.

The 80-year-old Rangel is facing 13 ethics charges. He has vowed to fight them and is refusing to resign the seat he has held for 40 years.

The fundraiser emerged in recent weeks as a test of political loyalty to Rangel.

New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, a Republican-turned-independent, told the crowd he was glad to honor Rangel, saying he’d been a great friend to to the city.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

NEW YORK (AP) — Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel has told a packed gathering at a fundraiser in New York City that he was deeply moved by the show of support.

Rangel spoke Wednesday to hundreds of attendees at the start of the gala at the Plaza Hotel. He was joined onstage by his wife and daughter.

Most of the state’s top Democratic lawmakers appeared at the fundraiser and were scheduled to speak on Rangel’s behalf.

The 80-year-old Rangel is facing 13 ethics charges. He has vowed to fight them and is refusing to resign the seat he has held for 40 years.

The fundraiser emerged in recent weeks as a test of political loyalty to Rangel.

New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, an Independent-turned-Republican, told the crowd he was glad to honor Rangel, saying he’d been a great friend to to the city.

(This version that Bloomberg is Republican-turned-independent, not independent-turned-Republican.)