Politicker’s Hunter Walker reports that Dominican community activist Ruben Dario Vargas has joined the contest for NY-13.
Ruben Dario Vargas, a self-described “Northern Manhattan community activist” who has run multiple unsuccessful campaigns for public office, is throwing his hat into the crowded campaign for the 13th congressional district, where Charlie Rangel is running for re-election. Based on his past performance running for the seat, Mr. Vargas is unlikely to be a major threat in the race, but his entry will State Senator Adriano Espaillat of his status as the only Latino candidate in a district with a majority Latino population.
The emergence of Mr. Dario Vargas will undoubtly lead to dirty tricks accusations by the Espaillat camp. Dario Vargas’ candidacy could siphon Hispanic votes from state Sen. Espaillat. A similar claim is being made in NY-6, where Jewish candidates have emerged prompting accusations by Assemblyman Rory Lancman of an effort to “confuse” Jewish voters and benefit his opponent, Assemblywoman Grace Meng.
Last week, the Rangel campaign named Dominican community leader, Moises Perez as campaign manager. Mr. Perez, who has deep ties in Washington Heights and the Bronx, was the founding executive director of Allianza Dominicana.
Mr. Dario Vargas claims he has collected over 1,600 petition signatures to place his name on the June 26 Democratic primary ballot. Today is the first day to file nominating petitions.
Because of the truncated election calendar, the minimum threshold is 938 signatures of registered Democratic voters residing in the congressional district. I fully expect the Espaillat campaign to challenge the Dario Vargas petition signatures, when, and if, they are filed later this week.
Now the race gets interesting. Stay tuned.
Read full article – Ruben Vargas Joins Crowded Race For Rangel’s Seat | Politicker.
Is the emergence of Ruben Dario Vargas a political “dirty trick” or simply democracy at work? Leave your comment below.
