Rep. Engel Has Hot Mic Moment

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Long-time Rep. Eliot Engel may have forgotten the rule that if there are microphones around, you should assume they are live. The Democratic congressman was caught on an open mic at a news conference Tuesday about local vandalism saying, "If I didn't have a primary, I wouldn't care."

Engel, who is facing four challengers in the June 23 primary to be the Democratic candidate for U.S. Congressional District 16, was speaking to Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. when he made the comment, the New York Times reported.

Diaz had told Engel that, because of time constraints, not all local officials would be able to speak at the news conference, and the congressman was trying to make the case that he should be allowed to talk, the Times said.

In a statement, Engel stood by his remarks, saying that it was important for people to know where he stands, the New York Post reported.

Also appearing on the ballot June 23 will be Chris Fink, Jamaal Bowman and Sammy Ravelo. Andom Ghebreghiorgis pulled out of the race Monday.

Engel is the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee, including the Subcommittee on Health. He has been in Congress since 1989.

The 16th Congressional District includes the northern Bronx and Yonkers, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, Larchmont, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Bronxville, Tuckahoe, Pelham, Pelham Manor, Rye, Rye City and parts of Ardsley, Hastings-on-Hudson and Edgemont.

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