Amid political tensions, uncertainty for Perkins’ Senate race

As potential congressional candidates begin to rise to the forefront of Harlem’s political arena, one typically vocal politician has been decidedly quiet about his own bid for election—or lack thereof.

New York State Senator Bill Perkins (D-West Harlem) has consistently dodged questions about his political prospects, despite the possibility that several up-and-coming politicians may contend for his seat in the fall. These newer faces recently entered the limelight amid speculation that New York Governor David Paterson and U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel are actively seeking candidates to supplant Perkins.

Paterson and Rangel may have reasons to be at odds with Perkins. Perkins broke ranks with many black leaders in February when he said that Paterson shouldn’t seek reelection in the wake of his alleged interference in an aide’s domestic violence case. This was especially stinging to Paterson, some contend, because Perkins holds Paterson’s old Senate seat.
Others have said that he has likewise angered Rangel, after rumors swirled that he was considering a run for Rangel’s congressional seat.

But Rangel did not indicate any resentment recently, and rather suggested that Perkins is more qualified than potential dark horses.

“I can’t think of competent challengers that may want to unseat me, but if I had to name some people, I must say that he [Perkins] is at the top of the list,” Rangel said.
In light of Perkins’ possible alienation of these two high-ranking politicians, some began to suggest that Paterson and Rangel are searching for candidates to oust Perkins from a post he has occupied since 2006. And now, some of those potential candidates are saying the time might be ripe for a fresh face to assume Perkins’ position.

One of these prospective challengers, Rodney Capel, said he considered Perkins’ position in 2006, in 2008, and is considering running again. Capel is senior vice president of government relations experts Mercury Public Affairs/IGR Group, and formerly served as New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn’s deputy chief of staff for state and federal affairs. He was also the former executive director of the state Democratic Party.

“There’s an opportunity for new, young exciting candidates to emerge and to have the opportunity to serve the community,” Capel said. “There’s always a need for leadership and constructive organizing to be done on issues,” he added, referring to some issues specific to West Harlem.

Larry Scott Blackmon, Parks Department deputy commissioner for community outreach, has also suggested the possibility of running. While he said that he has not had any direct interactions with Rangel or Paterson about a possible run for Perkins’ seat, he considers the possibility to be a viable one.

“You always want to think about the future,” Blackmon said. “When your name is mentioned in such company as David Paterson and Charles Rangel, one would be foolish not to consider it, given the name and legacy these people have left in this community.”

It might be a good time for prospective candidates, as Perkins may have recently angered a number of his constituents due to an adamant anti-charter-school stance. When hundreds of parents recently rallied for charter schools, he spoke out against them, arguing that charter schools would draw Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Joel Klein’s attention away from Harlem elementary schools.

But in spite of these grievances from both constituents and politicians, challengers may find the road to be an uphill one. With four years under his belt as a state senator and a reported campaign war chest of $77,224, the odds are far more in Perkins’ favor than they are for the other newly mentioned names.

“No one is going to beat him. It doesn’t matter what Paterson and Rangel want or don’t want—they don’t matter anymore,” Hank Sheinkopf, a Democratic political consultant, said.

“Power is relational and generational, and they’re the wrong generation, so they can say whatever they want and it’s not going to affect Perkins.”

Kevin Wardally, Rangel’s advisor and campaign manager, said that while he is unsure whether Perkins will declare a run against Rangel, he believes Rangel will trump other candidates, should he run for re-election.

“I think anyone who chooses to run against the congressman is making a mistake, not because he’s infallible or omnipotent, but because he’s done a good job with this district for a long time, and he’s going to be rewarded for that record,” Wardally said.

He added that, given the fact that Rangel has run unopposed in years past and still has yet to have anyone formally declare a bid for his seat in the 2010 race, the probability of his achieving electoral success is high.

“Right now considering no one is running against him, he’s going to win reelection really easily. You can’t beat someone with nobody,” Wardally said.

Perkins declined to comment.

kim.kirschenbaum@columbiaspectator.com

Correction: An earlier version of the article misstated Blackmon's title. He is the Parks Department deputy commissioner for community outreach, not the chief of staff for the New York Deputy Commissioner. Spectator regrets the error.