State Sen. Adriano Espaillat is sending out taxpayer-funded birthday greetings to voters — at the same time he’s running to replace retiring Harlem Rep. Charles Rangel, The Post has learned.
Espaillat’s senatorial district largely overlaps with the congressional district.
“Happy Birthday! This card serves to convey my best wishes for a year full of health, love and happiness. I hope that on this special occasion you are enjoying the company of your loved ones,” Espaillat said in a mailed greeting to an Upper West constituent.
“It’s a nice gesture,” said Espaillat spokesman Jacob Potent.
But campaign of rival Assemblyman Keith Wright cried foul.
“Espaillat is using taxpayer dollars to influence the political process with taxpayer dollars,” said Wright spokesman Hank Sheinkopf.
Espaillat and Senate officials said using mail privileges to send birthday greetings is allowed under Senate rules.
Espaillat has sent the greetings since April 2015.
Blair Horner of the New York Public Interest Research Group said, “It’s an eye-brow raiser. Should this be paid for out of his own pocket?”
The congressional primary is June 28.