More than 200 pieces of mailers in support of GOP congressional candidate Alison Esposito were found strewn near a creek in the Hudson Valley, according to the New York State Republican Party — which filed a complaint with the US Postal Service over the alleged “election interference.”
The party-paid ads, which attack Democratic incumbent Rep. Pat Ryan, were stamped to be mailed to voters.
Instead, a fisherman discovered the up to 250 mailers “torn and shredded” on the ground near Sprout Creek, the GOP complaint with the USPS Inspector General said.
“It’s certainly a case of election interference,” state Republican Party spokesman David Laska told The Post Thursday.
“Someone committed a very serious offense,” added Laska, who said the USPS must investigate whether the apparent foul play was an inside job.
It’s a federal crime to steal someone’s mail.
The complaint to the Inspector General was lodged against an unnamed “USPS Employee/Contractor,” given the mail in the custody of USPS handlers or carriers had been diverted.
“An individual in Wappingers Falls, NY reported to the NY Republican Federal Campaign Committee that approximately 200-250 pieces of political mail were discovered torn and shredded on the side of Brown Road by Sprout Creek, which were intended to be mailed in the custody of USPS,” the complaint reads.
The Postal Service confirmed the mail complaint from the GOP is being investigated.
The U.S. Postal Service is committed to the secure, timely delivery of the nation’s Election Mail. The Postal Service is aware of a complaint alleging improper handling of Political Mail being reviewed by the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General and has nothing further to offer,” said spokesman Mark Lawrence.
The Esposito-Ryan contest in the Hudson Valley’s 18th District is one of seven competitive New York congressional races whose results could determine which party controls the House of Representatives.
Four Republican pick-ups in New York during the 2022 midterm elections helped deliver the House majority to the GOP.
An Emerson College poll released earlier this week had Ryan leading Esposito by nine points.
In the 18th district, encompassing Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties, Ryan was backed by 51% of likely voters, while Esposito had the support of 42%, according to the poll.
The campaign has been contentious between Ryan, an Army combat veteran and Esposito, a 25-veteran of the NYPD.