Another name on Espaillat's petitions for the Rangel race: district leader Mark Levine
An overview of the race. Manhattan Times
11:11 am Mar. 22, 2012
Mark Levine, a Democratic district leader in Upper Manhattan and the founder of the Barack Obama Democratic Club, has lent his name to Adriano Espaillat's possible congressional campaign against Rep. Charlie Rangel, appearing as a member of Espaillat's committee to fill vacancies.
Espaillat is circulating petitions to get on the ballot and unseat the 81-year-old congressman who is seeking a 22nd term in office. Another member of Espaillat's committee to fill vacancies is Nelson Castro, an assemblyman from the Bronx who previously worked for Espaillat.
Levine, in a brief email exchange last night, confirmed he's a member of Espaillat's committee, which appears on nominating petitions for any candidate and is charged with finding a replacement in the event the candidate is unable to continue the bid. The role is largely ceremonial and usually more of an indicator of political allegiances than anything else.
Roberto Perez has some good details on the politics here.
