Two data points make a trend, three a pattern. Based on that observation, we can now detect a trend: Serph Maltese is using public money to run for re-election.

First, from Albany Project, a mailer sent out at taxpayer expense as what is presumably constituent outreach.

Then, there's this quote from Serph in today's Daily News:

Maltese has not gotten a similar influx of GOP campaign guns, but he said he will instead draw on paid consultants and volunteers from the 227 groups he funds with grants.

He bristled at the notion that he is the most vulnerable GOP senator.

"That puts me in a very good position to secure funding from not only the Senate, but many of the groups that I have been helping in the past," he said.

It's a sweet gig if you can get it: get yourself elected, then dole out member items to constituent groups, and use their free labor and other resources to keep getting re-elected. Garnish with campaign mailers you send out for free, and voila - the perfect cocktail for permanent incumbency. Sure, there's a fly in the ointment in that this is technically illegal, but that's never stopped a republican Senator before.