US lawmaker solicits Indian American votes

Till recently, United States Congressman Charles B Rangel, 80, was undeniably one of the most influential lawmakers, thanks to his position as the chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which formulates tax laws and other important pieces of legislation. But the dapper, flamboyant, 20-term Democratic US lawmaker from New York was forced to resign for allegedly violating ethics regulations and accepting free Caribbean vacations and golf outings from corporate sponsors.

In earlier times, at an event like the National Federation of Indian American Associations' Congressional Reception on Capitol Hill, it would have been a coup if Rangel could have been convinced to attend for a few minutes, let alone spend the considerable time he spent at last week's function.

Not only was he the first to arrive -- sans the mighty entourage of aides and other hangers-on of yore -- but patiently sat through the scores of introductions and re-introductions of each other by the NFIA hierarchy.

When it was his turn to speak, not only did he make remarks at considerable length, but finding that the New York contingent had still not arrived because their bus was stuck in traffic, implored the organisers to call him when his constituents arrived, promising to return in order to interact with them.

Obviously, the votes and contributions to his campaign coffers, which in the halcyon days were taken for granted, seemingly had taken on a new importance. The veteran lawmaker had been re-elected with a comfortable majority of over 90 percent, but is likely to face a tough race in November in light of the allegations of ethics violation.

When the bus carrying the New York delegation did arrive, Rangel was back to  interact with his constituents, going to the extent of soliciting their business cards and requesting them to be in touch with him

"Don't go back home without making certain that you know who your member of Congress is and that you visit him or you visit her," Rangel advised, noting that "one of the problems that you had in terms of timing is that the House of Representatives does not come in today till 6.30. So most of the members are on their way here to Washington, and so if you want to see members, make certain that you tell their offices where they can see you later. I know they would be very, very anxious and want to see all of you."

For his part, he sure was anxious to see his New York constituents and convey to them  that he not only was in attendance, but had been the first to arrive, even when most lawmakers were yet to make it back to DC from their districts.

"I am particularly happy because it's not often that we get a chance to talk to the representatives of the largest democracy in the entire world," Rangel said, making the perennial inadvertence that those present were now Indian Americans and not Indians any more.

But he was there to lay it on thick and lay it on he did. "India has been our friend for so long. Sometimes in life, we are brought closer by having the same type of threats that you are suffering with your neighbours and we are suffering in terms of their relationship with terrorists," he said, obviously referring to cross-border terrorism launched from Pakistani territory.

"And, so, it becomes more and more important that we understand each other's problems," he said, "and that we work with each other, that we expand the trade and that we continue to exchange not only students, but exchange professionals, so that together, these two great democracies can continue to move forward and be a beacon of light to those countries that have not had the opportunity to enjoy the democracy that you, I, and so many of us do."

Rangel declared, "We got a large job to do but I am convinced that we can do it, and I am convinced that we will do it."