New York Post - Boxer: I Can Put Rangel's Career on Ropes

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New York Post - Boxer: I Can Put Rangel's Career on Ropes

Independent congressional candidate and amateur boxer Craig Schley says he's never backed down from a fight - even if it means going up against Harlem's Democratic heavyweight Rep. Charles Rangel, the master politician for whom he once interned.

"There is no political campaign that is not an uphill battle," the former Georgia firefighter told The Post during an interview at Harlem's famed soul food restaurant Louise's, after announcing his run Wednesday.

Digging into a plate of eggs and sausage, he said, "My candidacy is being embraced because people see the opportunity for access without having to kiss the king's ring to get something done," referring to the embattled Rangel.

Following an explosive Post exposé last week, Rangel, the powerful chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, admitted he failed to report more than $75,000 in rental income from his posh beachfront vacation villa at the exclusive Punta Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic.

"It's a huge story here, and Rangel isn't addressing the issue," said Schley, who joked that he wouldn't be bringing his bathing suit or lawn chair to the sitdown with a Post reporter. "I'm committed to work."

It was the second time Rangel has been on the ropes over personal finances. In July it was reported that the congressman had four rent-stabilized Harlem apartments, one of which he used as his campaign headquarters.

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