Sources: NY Rep. Fossella won't run again

[maddezmom]

Source: AP

WASHINGTON - New York Rep. Vito Fossella will not seek re-election after a series of damaging revelations about a child from an extramarital affair, two people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.

Both people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to make the announcement public. Fossella was expected to make the announcement Tuesday.

Fossella, 43, has admitted to fathering a daughter with a Virginia woman.

The congressman's secret relationship with the woman, Laura Fay, was revealed after he was arrested for drunken driving May 1. Fossella was stopped after running a red light, and he told officers he was going to see his sick daughter, according to police.

Fossella is married with three children


Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080520/ap_on_go_co/congressman_affair;_

[KingFlorez]

1. It could be a pickup opportunity

His district is basically Staten Island, which is the most GOP area in New York City, but with the political climate looking not so good for Republicans, I think there's a slight possibility we can pick it up.

[NBachers]

3. Steve Harrison is up and Running

He's a seasoned candidate who gave Fossella a good run for his money in 2006. He's got a good progressive platform, he's got name recognition, he already has good endorsements, and he's been up and running in this cycle for awhile now. If he can get the support, he will win the election.

Check out Steve Harrison here:
http://www.steveharrisonforcongress.com/

and donate here:
http://actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/18417

[scot]

13. Remember that Dems still outnumber Repubs in SI

This is a classic "Reagan Democrat" area. Registered Dems voting Repub. Like it or not, only a centrist Dem has a chance here. And they must be from SI, not Bklyn. Harrison is not the answer.

[maddezmom]

2. he's dust, here is text of a letter to his hometown newspaper

After The Hill posted its story, several news outlets reported that Fossella would not seek reelection. The following is the text of a letter that Fossella released to his hometown newspaper, The Staten Island Advance, Monday night:

To the Constituents of the 13th Congressional District:

After a great deal of consideration, I have made the decision not to seek re-election to the United States House of Representatives this November. This choice was an extremely difficult one, balanced between my dedication to service to our great nation and the need to concentrate on healing the wounds that I have caused to my wife and family.

For over 10 years, I have had the distinct privilege of representing the people of Staten Island and Brooklyn. I have been humbled by their support and honored to represent them in Congress. Over the years, we have achieved many great things that have helped make our community and this country a better place to live - from closing the Fresh Kills Landfill, to saving Fort Hamilton, to helping New York cope with the pain and recover from the 9/11 attacks. I am extremely proud of these and other achievements and the fact that our work has made a positive difference in the lives of so many people.

It is for this reason that I will continue to serve you and our community for the duration of my term, which will expire on January 3, 2009.

Despite the personal mistakes I have made, I am touched by the outpouring of support and encouragement I have received from so many people. Their kind words and prayers during this difficult time mean more to me than I can express. And while many have urged me to run for
re-election, I believe this course of action is best for my family and our community.

Representing the people of Staten Island and Brooklyn has been the most rewarding professional experience of my life. I am forever grateful to all those I have had the honor to serve.
Sincerely

Vito J. Fossella, Member of Congress


http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/sources-rep.-fossella-will-not-seek-reelection-2008-05-19.html

[mikeytherat]

10. "I believe this course of action is best for my family and our community."

No, keeping your dick in your pants would have been best for your family and the community.

He still doesn't get it, and he doesn't care.

mikey_the_rat

[DUlover2909]

4. The force is with us!

[sabra]

5. Affair revelation halts GOP congressman's re-election pursuit

Source: CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A New York congressman who admitted to fathering a child out of wedlock with a woman who bailed him out of jail on a drunk driving charge this month announced Monday that he will not run for re-election.

Fossella is the 30th Republican to announce they would not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

"This choice was an extremely difficult one, balanced between my dedication to service to our great nation and the need to concentrate on healing the wounds that I have caused to my wife and family," Rep. Vito Fossella, a six-term Republican, said in a written statement.

Fossella, who represents Staten Island and part of Brooklyn, is the 30th Republican to announce they would not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

As a result, Democrats, who hold a 236-199 majority in the House, could see gains in the November election.

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/20/congress.fossella/index.html

[cosmicone]

6. not LBN n/t

[ellie]

8. Why is this not LBN?

[cosmicone]

15. because it was already posted before ! n/t

[ToughLuck]

7. Ha ha, another one bites the dust. Adios Fossella!

[NBachers]

9. Time for Democrat Steve Harrison

Check out Steve Harrison here:
http://www.steveharrisonforcongress.com /

and donate here:
http://actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/18417

[struggle4progress]

11. NY Congressman Fossella won't seek re-election

By DEVLIN BARRETT – 6 hours ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Vito Fossella, citing "personal mistakes" after a drunken driving arrest and disclosure he fathered a child in an extramarital affair, on Tuesday became the 26th Republican congressman to retire rather than face re-election this year ...

"This choice was an extremely difficult one, balanced between my dedication to service to our great nation and the need to concentrate on healing the wounds that I have caused to my wife and family," Fossella said in a statement on his congressional Web site, saying he would serve out his term that expires on Jan. 3 of next year ...

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ggOMNiYSpZTuLxi2HKZs3rX1d6IAD90PIQTG1

[struggle4progress]

12. "If only . New York had an anti-gay marriage amendment . all . this . could have been avoided"

Creep of the Week: Vito Fossella
By D'Anne Witkowski

... Fossella, who has an 81% rating from the Christian Coalition, supports the amending the United States Constitution to ban marriage for gays ... This whole thing isn't his fault. His marriage simply wasn't protected. If only the state of New York had an anti-gay marriage amendment in their constitution, perhaps all of this mess could have been avoided. Now Fossella's career is in jeopardy ... http://www.pridesource.com/article.shtml?article=30388

[speedoo]

14. Here's the NYT on this...

Scramble Begins for Staten Island Congressional Seat to Be Vacated by Fossella


http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/21/nyregion/21fossella.html?_r=1&ref=nyregion&oref=slogin

(snip)

The decision by Vito J. Fossella not to seek another term in Congress has roiled the political waters of his reliably Republican district, as both parties are searching for consensus candidates to succeed him when his term ends in January.

The departure of Mr. Fossella might seem to present the Democrats with a major opportunity, but the party’s leaders have yet to agree on a candidate, and disputes have broken out over whether the candidate should come from the Staten Island or Brooklyn side of the district.

Mr. Fossella’s decision is not clearly a blow to the Republicans. District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan Jr., a proven vote-getter, has gained support among party leaders in Staten Island and Washington, and State Senator Andrew J. Lanza is also being widely considered.

(snip)

Lots more from the Times on potential candidates.