Fossella Drops Bid

Real Clear Politics ^ | May 20, 2008

[Clintonfatigued]

Embattled Republican Rep. Vito Fossella will not run for re-election, the New York Times reported last night, relieving at least a small burden on House Republicans nervous at the prospect of another scandal-tainted member hurting their party's national image. Arrested for driving while intoxicated on May 1 in Alexandria, Virginia, Fossella was bailed out of jail by his girlfriend, with whom he has a young daughter. Fossella also has three children with his wife in New York.

"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. Despite the personal mistakes I have made, I am touched by the outpouring of support and encouragement I have received from so many people," a statement from Fossella's office said. "While many have urged me to run for re-election, I believe this course of action is best for my family and our community."

Fossella, who at 43 is serving his fifth full term, had been under increasing pressure from Republican leader John Boehner in recent days to end his bid. Boehner unsubtly began making phone calls to potential candidates who might replace Fossella, most notably Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan, while Democrats in Washington and New York began to pay new attention to a race they already believed they had an outside shot of winning.

Other Republicans considering a bid include State Senator Andrew Lanza and New York City Councilmembers Vincent Ignizio and James Oddo. 2006 Democratic nominee Steve Harrison is running again, as is councilmember Domenic Recchia, who represents a council district in the Brooklyn sliver of the Congressional seat.

[TheBattman]

But the point is - no-one is perfect. But that doesn’t preclude us from making evey effort to do what is moral and right.

For ALL have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. But we (Christians) are called unto righteousness. It is all about decisions. No-one is forced to choose adultery or any of the other “popular” moral shortcomings.

But because of the state of politics, and the often painful campaigning involved, good honest Christian men really do not wish to submit themselves or their families to the stress.

[Impy]

I don’t care about his love child, the drunk driving is disgraceful.

The point is he would have been a dead duck in November, now we have chance to hold the seat. He didn’t really accomplish anything in congress anyway, he’s just a typical machine politician.