Adriano Espaillat

A tipster sent The Politicker this photo of a campaign billboard for state senator and congressional hopeful Adriano Espaillat that features his face looming large over the University Heights Bridge on West 207th in Inwood.

We also obtained a bilingual mailer volunteers for Mr. Espaillat have been distributing in Washington Heights. Interestingly, Mr. Espaillat's mailers portray his candidacy as a battle against "Tea Party Republicans," the same strategy employed by  his main opponent in the 13th district race, incumbent Congressman Charlie Rangel.

"Adriano Espaillat, bringing back the energy we need to fight Tea Party Republicans!" the mailer says. 

Last month, Mr. Rangel sent out mailers of his own claiming "right-wing Tea Partiers from Texas" are trying to have him removed after over four decades in office. Mr. Rangel's claim was based on the Campaign for Primary Accountability, a Houston-based PAC that targets incumbents and is supporting Mr. Espaillat. The CPA has supported both Democrats and Republicans who are running against longtime incumbents. Though the PAC’s activities have been bipartisan, it has several prominent conservative donors.

Mr. Espaillat's mailer also characterizes him as an advocate for affordable housing, healthcare and the New York DREAM Act. It also vows he will "take on the Big Banks" and, somewhat grandiosely, promises he will "end the war in Afghanistan."

The billboard that angered Chris Quinn.

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn went on the offensive against an offensive billboard in her district. Yesterday, Ms. Quinn sent a letter to Richard Schaps, Chairman and CEO of outdoor advertising company Van Wagner Communications, about a billboard for Wodka Vodka on 27th Street featuring the slogan, "Escort Quality. Hooker Pricing."

"This billboard has both an offensive and an inappropriate message to all residents of Chelsea. Not only should you remove this billboard from my district, you should end this campaign and remove these ads citywide," Ms. Quinn wrote. "It is an outrageous misjudgment that you have allowed the display of such an offensive ad."

In her letter, Ms. Quinn said she was prompted to get involved because her office "received calls and correspondences from residents and organizations who are opposed to this advertisement." The ad also ran on a billboard by the Brooklyn Bridge and the Bronx, where it was removed.

Van Wagner doesn't own Wodka, the vodka is manufactured by Panache Beverages. Ms. Quinn told Mr. Schaps she believes Panache envisioned the ad as "a witty marketing tactic." Wodka has previously used racial stereotypes in their other campaigns.

Read Ms. Quinn's letter about the billboard below.