By JULIAN PHILLIPS Special to WPIX.COM

10:04 p.m. EDT, March 31, 2010
NEW YORK (WPIX)—
For the first time in forty years, Charlie Rangel may face his first real challenge from a relatively unknown Republican -- who is also black.

Rangel has ruled the 15th Congressional district for nearly four decades. But a series of scandals (most recently a charge of tax evasion) have caused the popular Democrat to suspend his position as chair of the powerful Ways and Means committee. While Rangel remains popular in his district, there's a new sheriff in town.

For the past 22 years, the Reverend Michel Faulkner, a former New York Jet, has made his home in Harlem, forming a church and championing the causes of the poor and disenfranchised in that area. Faulkner credits his success to overcoming odds and preaching GOP values of reduced government, lower taxes, and entrepreneurship.

In light of our economic times, many of these values are being more passionately embraced by people of all economic classes. A recent poll commissioned by Faulkner's backers, reveals some surprising statistics. According to the poll, only 50% of the respondents are satisfied with the job Charlie Rangel is doing. An even more surprising 69% believe they would be better served by a new Congressional leader. On top of that, 58% of respondents are anti-tax increases. 92% support small business grow initiatives. And 76% of those polled support the expansion of charter schools.

Faulkner's biggest obstacle will be his GOP affiliation. Many blacks remain skeptical of the Republican party, and a long-standing perception that conservatives do not have their best interests in mind. If Faulkner can convince black voters that they don't need a cross and garlic when dealing with Republicans, he has a fighting chance. He's young. He's energetic. And he comes armed with new and innovative ideas that will best serve the constituents in the district. Black Republicans will be looking at this potential matchup between Rangel and Faulkner as a litmus test for future challenges to incumbent black Democrats across the nation.