Edolphus Towns A 12-Term Brooklyn Congressman, in a Fight for No. 13

Brooklyn - He has been in the House of Representatives for nearly a quarter-century and is known for his folksy ways and his common touch with the residents of Brooklyn. But as he runs for a 13th term, Edolphus Towns finds himself the target of determined efforts to end his career in Congress.

So far, three people either have declared plans to challenge Mr. Towns, 71, or are close to doing so. But perhaps more worrisome for the representative, major labor unions have pledged to do everything in their power to ensure his defeat.

Last week, City Councilman Charles Barron announced his candidacy. And before that, Assemblyman Roger L. Green said he was considering running, as did Kevin Powell, a writer and the founder of a nonprofit public affairs group.