Myers Challenges Adler to Return Rep. Rangel's Contributions; Denounce Sweetheart Housing Deal

Rangel gave Adler $4,000 in 2008, Hosted Fundraiser in 2007

          Mount Holly, July 14, 2008-Congressional candidate Chris Myers today challenged his opponent, career Trenton politician John Adler, to return $4,000 in campaign contributions from New York Congressman Charles Rangel, and denounce him in light of a recent New York Times story detailing how Rangel paid far below market value on four luxury apartments in Harlem.

          According to Federal Election Commission reports, Adler received $4,000 from Rangel for Congress on February 8, 2008 and PolitickerNJ.com reported Rangel hosted a fundraiser for Adler in September of 2007.

          "In light of Congressman Rangel's ethical abuses, I challenge John Adler to do the right thing and return these contributions immediately," said Myers, a successful businessman and decorated combat veteran.  "While working families and seniors in New Jersey struggle to afford their homes-thanks in large part to John Adler's failed tax and spend record in Trenton-Congressman Rangel abuses his power and lives in the lap of luxury for pennies on the dollar.  Failure by John Adler to denounce Mr. Rangel and return his dirty money tells you all you need to know about John Adler."

          According to the NY Times, Mr. Rangel, who has a net worth of $566,000 to $1.2 million, paid a total rent of $3,894 monthly in 2007 for the four apartments at Lenox Terrace, a 1,700-unit luxury development of six towers, with doormen, that is described in real estate publications as Harlem's most prestigious address.  The current market-rate rent for similar apartments in Mr. Rangel's building would total $7,465 to $8,125 a month.

         Myers said career politicians like Rangel and Adler have a lot in common.

         "Career politicians like Charles Rangel and John Adler are part and parcel of the corrupt, tax and spend culture in both Washington and Trenton," said Myers.  "Both wax poetic about being champions for the middle class, but the facts tell a different story.  Rangel is abusing his office to get sweetheart deals on his rent, while Adler has teamed up with Jon Corzine to ruin our state's economy and saddle today's suburban homeowners with higher taxes and our children with billions in debt."

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