Rangel parties with Gov. Paterson, AG Andrew Cuomo at birthday bash

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Polijam.com:




New York's Democratic elite showered love and cash Wednesday night on scandal-soaked Rep. Charles Rangel at a lavish 80th birthday party fund-raiser.

"This damn sure ain't no funeral," declared a defiant Rangel.

But the threat of political mortality over the 13 ethics charges the congressman faces hung in the air of The Plaza hotel's Grand Ballroom. "Please remember me in your prayers," Rangel said as the party ended.

The turnout of 800 guests - including Gov. Paterson, U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Attorney General Andrew Cuomo - showed New York's top Democrats still willing to stand with Rangel, even if some had played hard to get until Wednesday.

The crowd paid $200 to $2,500 to munch on vanilla cupcakes and kosher food, sip free-flowing cocktails and sway to Dionne Warwick singing "That's What Friends Are For."

Rangel seems to have fewer friends among Democrats in Washington lately, especially after his 38-minute rant on the House floor on Tuesday. The 20-term congressman faces a House subcommittee trial on charges including failure to report income on a rental, misusing office stationery in fund-raising and other violations.

Although Rangel is the dean of New York's delegation, the most glaring no-shows were House colleagues, including Rep. Mike McMahon (D-S.I., Brooklyn). Paterson announced that another absentee, Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan, Queens) pledged a $2,500 donation.

From the stage, Mayor Bloomberg tweaked those who skipped the event rather than risk brickbats from opponents for celebrating with Rangel.

"I know a few people couldn't be here tonight, because as they tell it, either they had to get their hair cut unexpectedly or were sure they'd have a headache," Bloomberg said. "Charlie, as you know, they were with you as long as they could be."

Before entering The Plaza, former Mayor David Dinkins called Rangel his "brother" - and went on to give a loud-voiced protester a one-fingered salute.

Schumer, who hedged on whether he would attend until the last minute, called Rangel "a leader," adding, "He has fought for New York through thick and thin. ... He is somebody who has always cared."

Cuomo, a gubernatorial hopeful who also wavered on whether he would attend, had kind words for Rangel. "Charlie delivered for New York," Cuomo said. "He delivered for this nation."

GOP gubernatorial contender Carl Paladino slammed Cuomo for standing by Rangel while promising to clean up Albany.

"How can New Yorkers believe Cuomo's the man to correct the course of our corrupt ship of state when he's laying in bed with Ripoff Rangel at the The Plaza hotel?" asked Paladino.

The annual fund-raiser with tickets is generally a treasure-trove of campaign cash for Rangel. But much of this year's take - the total was not disclosed - may end up going to his lawyers.

Rangel counted just $516,594 left in his campaign account at the end of the last quarter because he's spent more than $1.7million from the fund on legal fees stemming from his ethics mess.