Photos Surface of Rep. Mike Lawler in Blackface from College Halloween Party

Photos have surfaced showing New York Congressman Mike Lawler dressed in blackface at a college Halloween party, sparking controversy just weeks before the November election. The images, obtained by The New York Times, show a 20-year-old Lawler in darkened skin makeup, dressed as the late pop icon Michael Jackson at a Halloween gathering at Manhattan College in 2006. Lawler, who represents New York's 17th Congressional District, is currently in a tightly contested race for his seat, facing former U.S. Representative Mondaire Jones.

The timing. . .