Does Harlem’s elder statesman even know whom he’s representing anymore?
Rep. Charles Rangel, 83, recently reported to the federal government that he’s based in the 15th Congressional District — which is wrong.
Rangel — who was censured by Congress in 2010 for taking rent-stabilized apartments and failing to pay taxes — actually represents the 13th District.
The embarrassing mistake appeared on a Federal Election Commission form filed by the congressman’s re-election committee, Rangel for Congress, on Oct. 15.
More than a year ago, Rangel actually did represent the 15th District, but that changed after mandated redistricting, which was based on census data and went into effect in June 2012.
District 15 covers southern and western parts of The Bronx and is now represented by Rep. Jose Serrano. Rangel’s district covers upper Manhattan and a small portion of The Bronx.
The blunder is the least of his worries.
Rangel took in a measly $54,784 in contributions for the third quarter this year and spent $39,000 on legal fees.
“For someone who just came off the most competitive primary he’s had in the last 40 years, this doesn’t show the strength necessary to deter another challenge,” one Democratic insider said. “It raises legitimate questions of whether he intends to seek re-election.”