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Looking at What Reps are Riding 'Round in
By
Jen Chung
Published May 1, 2008
Modified May 1, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published May 1, 2008
Modified May 1, 2008
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A Mercury Mariner hybrid SUV (leased by Rep. McNulty), a Cadillac DeVille (Rangel's ride), and a Lexus LS 460 (what Rep. Meeks leases)
Representative Charles Rangel is proud of his leased-through-Congress 2004 Cadillac DeVille. And he even offers rides to constituents, so they can discuss issues. Rangel told the NY Times, "I want them to feel that they are somebody and their congressman is somebody. And when they say, ‘This is nice,’ it feels good.” And taxpayers should feel a little ownership over the car (which is apparently so roomy Rangel has a desk in it)--taxpayers are footing the $777.54/month lease (not to mention gas).
Eleven other representatives from the NY and NJ area lease cars, and the Times has put together a chart of their cars' makes, mileage and lease costs. Rep. Gregory Meeks has a 2007 Lexus LS 460 ($998/month) while Rep. Anthony Weiner leases a 2008 Chevy Impala ($208/month). Rep. Louise Slaughter got one after her district was redrawn, but Rep. Peter King stopped leasing a car because "With the issues that people can raise against you, I just figured it didn’t make sense.”
And speaking of rides, Rep. Vito Fosella was arrested for a DWI in D.C. An advisement hearing is scheduled in Alexandria, VA for May 12.
Tagged
automobiles
cars
charles rangel
Congressional representatives
Vito Fossella
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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