Rangel Says Health Issues Will Not Stop Him From Running Effective Campaign

Rangel Says Health Issues Will Not Stop Him From Running Effective Campaign Updated April 10, 2012 6:02pm April 10, 2012 6:02pm | By Jeff Mays, DNAinfo Reporter/Producer       In his first public appearance since early February following a back injury, Rep. Charles Rangel used a walker to enter the room and sat in an office chair for the entire event but said he was still up to facing the toughest election challenger he has faced during his four decades in office. (DNAinfo/Jeff Mays) HARLEM — In his first public appearance since suffering a back injury in early February, Rep. Charles Rangel used a walker to enter the room and sat in an office chair for the entire event but said he was ready to take on the toughest election challenger he has faced during his four decades in office. "There's a day certain I'll be up and around and enjoying the campaign," said Rangel, who blamed his back problems on a virus that infiltrated worn cartilage between his spinal discs. He said he was treated with antibiotics. "I have often joked that at my age I don't buy green bananas," Rangel, 81, said later with a laugh. The injury has hospitalized him twice and caused him to miss 103 votes since Feb. 9, according to GovTrack, including votes on the budget and transportation aid. Rangel's biggest name challenger, State Sen. Adriano Espaillat, alluded to Rangel's recent health problems. Read more: http://www.dnainfo.com/20120410/harlem/rangel-says-health-issues-will-not-stop-him-from-running-effective-campaign?utm_content=chiefcharley472%40gmail.com&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Rangel%20Says%20Health%20Issues%20Will%20Not%20Stop%20Him%20From%20Running%20Effective%20Campaign&utm_campaign=Infant%20Injured%20in%20Harlem%20Fire%20Recovering%20and%20Coming%20Home%20Soon%2C%20Dad%20Sayscontent#ixzz1rmaswsk3