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Congressman Charles Rangel has represented northern Manhattan since 1971, after defeating Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV's father, a Harlem legend in his own right. His statue stands outside the building where Rangel keeps his district office.

A tax scandal cost Rangel his powerful perch as chairman of the Ways and Means committee. Now the 20 term congressman is spending the twilight of his career fending off what could be a bruising Democratic primary.

"The fact is he's no longer chairman of Ways & Means. That is significant. Had he still been chairman of Ways and Means perhaps I would not be here," Powell said.

Powell has had his own brushes with the law, including the most recent -- an arrest for drunk driving. He was convicted of a lesser charge after jurors felt he didn't appear drunk in a police video.

"Some policeman do lie. Like some teachers do lie. Like some politicians lie. Like everybody lies. The only one who never lied was George Washington," Powell said.

This isn't the first Rangel-Powell matchup. They last competed 16 years ago in a race that Powell probably wants to forget.

On Monday, Rangel let advisor Kevin Wardally do the talking.

"I think folks will reward him with re-election," Wardally said. "He's never had a bad day, and I dare to say he's never been scared of elections either."

Despite talk of Rangel's vulnerability, Assemblyman Powell is campaigning on the rumor the congressman will retire soon after he wins, throwing the selection of his successor to political bosses -- a charge Rangel denies.

Others may yet join a growing field. But one not challenging Rangel is Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell who told NY1 he will run to succeed him if the congressman resigns or retires.