By David Pitt
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MIDTOWN — Dionne Warwick and a host of big-name New York politicians are riding to the rescue of embattled Rep. Charles Rangel, who’s throwing himself an 80th birthday party at the Plaza Hotel Wednesday night.
What some had characterized a week ago as Rangel’s incredible shrinking guest list appears to have stabilized following reports that the long-planned bash and fund-raiser was turning into a high-profile humiliation for the Harlem Democrat, who is facing a 13-count ethics indictment in the House.
The program for the party, to be held in the Plaza’s grand ballroom, was released a day after Rangel gave an emotional and sometimes rambling speech on the House floor challenging his colleagues to try him without delay on the ethics charges. Many Democrats have expressed dismay with Rangel’s defiant stance, arguing it will endanger their re-election prospects.
Although a number of politicians sent regrets – one explained that he had to march in a local volunteer firemen’s parade, while another had a sudden family commitment in Virginia – the top names on Rangel’s A-list -- Sen. Chuck Schumer, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Michael Bloomberg – each announced Wednesday that they’d definitely be there, the Daily News reported. All were on the fence a week ago.
Dionne Warwick, Chuck Jackson and Jackie Rowe Adams will fill in for Aretha Franklin, who was recuperating from a fall, while Gov. David Paterson will be the evening’s MC for an audience that will include Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand; Council Speaker Christine Quinn; Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver; Queens Congressman Joe Crowley; former Mayor David Dinkins, and veteran Harlem leader – and father of the governor – Basil Paterson.
However, all five Democratic candidates for state attorney general were sitting the party out, the News reported, while Bill Clinton – who will be featured in a testimonial video -- made it known that he had a prior commitment in Arkansas.
Manhattan Congresswoman Carolyn Mahoney of Manhattan, who had helped plan the party, said she had a family event in Virginia, just hours after a Democratic challenger, Reshima Saujani, criticized her for associating with Rangel.
Congressman Michael McMahon, of Staten Island, said he couldn’t get out of a firemen’s celebration in an upstate hamlet. And Congressman Edolphus Towns, of Brooklyn, said he would be stuck at an event in Connecticut.
