Several readers wrote in to say they had received the following robocall this week from embattled Rep. Charlie Rangel, urging them to attend his Aug. 11 birthday fundraiser:

“Hi. This is Charlie Rangel. I’m sorry I missed you, but I’m calling to let you know that there’s a birthday party. It’s going to be on Wednesday, August the 11th at the Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel. If you can be with us, please call 212-862-4990. It’s going to bne a terrific party and we want you there. Again, the number is 212-862-4990. Please try to make it. I’ll be looking to meet you.”

The calls come as pols nervous about getting too close to Rangel as he prepares to face a public trial on 13 ethics charges are sending regrets and suddenly remembering some oh-so-important previous engagements like a family trip to Virginia (Rep. Carolyn Maloney), a fundraiser in Connecticut (Rep. Ed Towns) and a firefighters parade in his district (Rep. John Hall).

UPDATE: Maloney’s campaign asked that I add this statement from the congresswoman: “I’m for Charlie Rangel whether I’m at a party for him or not.”

Even Aretha Franklin, who was supposed to headline Rangel’s big bash, isn’t going to be able to make it, although she has a viable excuse.

Others, like AG Andrew Cuomo and Sen. Chuck Schumer, are hedging, with aides refusing to say one way or another whether their respective bosses will be attending. Mayor Bloomberg, after a brief memory lapse about his plans to serve as one of the event’s hosts, has apparently agreed to attend.

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