Sen. Gustavo Rivera blasted out a fundraising appeal to supporters blasting fellow Bronx Democratic lawmaker Ruben Diaz Sr. for supporting primary opponent Manny Tavarez.

The fundraising appeal also seems to motivate Rivera’s core base of supoprters by tying Diaz to his erstwhile amigo Sen. Pedro Espada, who Rivera successfully primaried back in 2010.

Here’s the note:

Dear Xxx –
Two years ago, you stood with me to win an historic election against one of the most corrupt politicians the New York State has ever seen. This week, I am reminded of the Spanish saying, “dime con quien andas, y te dire quien eres,” meaning, “tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are”.
Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr. was not only an accomplice in holding the State Legislature hostage for his own gain, but has been a vocal opponent of women’s rights and marriage equality. He was a close ally of my corrupt predecessor, and he just endorsed my current opponent.
I ran for office because I knew my neighbors and the Bronx deserved better. When people ask me who my friends are, I don’t hesitate.
I am proud to stand with you. And that’s why I’m asking you today as my friend and supporter to continue to stand with me by donating $50, $25 or $10.
Thank you for your continued support.
Your friend,
Gustavo Rivera

Earlier Rivera slammed Tavarez himself for staking out similar positions on social issues as Diaz, including opposing same-sex marriage and abortion.

And though this could be seen as another sign of a fractious Democratic conference in the state Senate, Diaz has always been considered something of an outlier within the conference, frequently taking positions at odds with his colleagues.

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