By Yepoka Yeebo
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
HARLEM — Dozens of New York City politicians and leaders vowed on Sunday to lobby on behalf of the community that reelected Rep. Charles Rangel, demanding the shamed Harlem politician not be censured.
"Let's be damn clear, Charles Rangel has been punished enough," said former New York Mayor David Dinkins.
"It is our hope the House will say, 'You've been a naughty boy.'"
Rangel was found guilty of 11 counts of ethics violations on Tuesday and, in response, the leaders rallied in support of the Democrat Senator in front of the "Civil Rights Church," breaking spontaneously into a somber rendition of the protest song "We Shall Overcome."
Speaking outside Mother AME Zion Church, the oldest black church in New York State, Councilwoman Inez Dickens said Rangel had been sloppy, but had not committed any crimes.
"This is a civil rights issue, the civil rights of the residents of this district are being violated," she said.
State Senator Adriano Espaillat agreed that censure was not appropriate for a politician who hadn't committed a crime.
"Thousands of constituents do not want to be disenfranchised by a hasty action," he said.
Several politicians pointed out that Rangel was resoundingly re-elected in the beginning of November, and that it was clear his Harlem and Washington Heights constituents didn't feel short changed.
"Censures are historically handed out when there is financial gain or gross impropriety," said Assemblyman Keith Wright. "Frankly, we don't have either."
Wright vowed to call other politicians on the democratic side and ask them not to vote to censure Rangel.
Many drew on Rangel's service in Korea, and around the world, as well as his defense of the residents of the 15th Congressional District.
City Comptroller John C. Liu stressed the fact that the hearing was over. "The people of this district stand firmly behind Congressman Rangel," he said. "Let's move forward."
The House Ethics Committee voted 9-1 to censure Rep. Charles Rangel, and recommended that he pay restitution for unpaid taxes. The House will now consider the punishment.
Rangel was originally charged with 13 ethics violations, including improper fundraising for soliciting organizations with business before the Ways and Means Committee, which he chaired. Other charges included failure to properly report personal income and the improper use of rent-controlled apartments in Harlem.
