Councilman Plans to Challenge Veteran Brooklyn Congressman

Brooklyn – City Councilman Charles Barron of Brooklyn said yesterday that he would challenge United States Representative Edolphus Towns, a 24-year incumbent, in this year’s Democratic primary.

Mr. Towns, who is 71, has found himself increasingly facing potential rivals who hope to capitalize on the strong criticism he has faced from labor groups angered by his vote in favor of the Central America Free Trade Agreement.