Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

After Scandal, NYC Rep Won't Run Again

GOP's Fossella busted for drunk-driving, fathering love child

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 20, 2008 8:58 AM CDT

(Newser) – Vito Fossella, the Republican congressman whose drunk-driving bust earlier this month led to the discovery that he had a lover and child on the side, has decided not to run for reelection, the AP reports. He said today the decision was based on the need to "concentrate on healing the wounds that I have caused to my wife and family." 

Fossella, the only GOP congressman from New York City, was charged with DWI May 1; in the wake of the arrest  the 43-year-old lawmaker’s relationship with a Virginia woman emerged. He faced a tough reelection campaign in 2006, and Democrats had been aiming for his seat before the scandal.

In this March 1, 2008 file photo, New York Rep. Vito Fossella speaks during christening ceremonies for the U.S.Navy ship New York at Northrop Grumman shipyard in Avondale, La.
In this March 1, 2008 file photo, New York Rep. Vito Fossella speaks during christening ceremonies for the U.S.Navy ship New York at Northrop Grumman shipyard in Avondale, La.   (AP Photo/Bill Haber, File)
Rep. Vito Fossella, R-N.Y., is pictured at the Alexandria, Va. Detention Center after his arrest Thursday, May 1, 2008.  Fossella was charged with driving while intoxicated, police said.
Rep. Vito Fossella, R-N.Y., is pictured at the Alexandria, Va. Detention Center after his arrest Thursday, May 1, 2008. Fossella was charged with driving while intoxicated, police said.   (AP Photo/Alexandria Sheriff's Office)
In this May 2, 2008 file photo, Rep. Vito Fossella (R-N.Y.) speaks to the media in Staten Island about his May 1 arrest outside Washington on charges of driving while intoxicated.
In this May 2, 2008 file photo, Rep. Vito Fossella (R-N.Y.) speaks to the media in Staten Island about his May 1 arrest outside Washington on charges of driving while intoxicated.   (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle, File)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Dem Wu Won't Seek Reelection

Oregon Dem Wu Accused of Sex Assault

Weiner Officially Resigns: 'It's Been an Honor'

Weiner Tells Top Dems He'll Step Down

Anthony Weiner: Sorry I Was So Stiff


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne