Vito Joins the No-Shame Game [Former Republican NY Congressman Fossella]

Politico ^ | May 26, 2010 | Ben Smith and Maggie Haberman

[justiceseeker93]

NEW YORK - Former Congressman Vito Fossella stood outside his house last Thursday, chatting with reporters as his children played nearby.

Two days earlier, the county committee had endorsed him to retake his old Staten Island seat. "I will make my decision within the next few days," he said...

It was quite a different scene from the one two years ago, when reporters had been camped out on the same lawn, peppering Fossella with questions about a scene lurid even for Washington: A drunken driving arrest had led reporters into his secret second family, and tabloids had splashed his image across the front page with the words "Vito Fossella." His inevitable fall and disappearance came soon after.

[justiceseeker93]

Not mentioned in the entire story about political "second acts" following a major scandal is that the only pols who seem to succeed in such endeavors are Democrats. Think Bill Clinton, Ted Kennedy, and Barney Frank. On the GOP side, it's hard to think of anyone in recent years who has been able to come back.

It's been said in Republican circles that a Fossella run could cost the GOP not only his district (which is predominantly Roman Catholic) but nationally, because the Democrats might be able to use him as a "poster boy" for alleged "Republican sleaziness."

[justiceseeker93]

Ping!!!

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[no dems]

It's been said in Republican circles that a Fossella run could cost the GOP not only his district (which is predominantly Roman Catholic) but nationally, because the Democrats might be able to use him as a "poster boy" for alleged "Republican sleaziness."

I read the same article. However, now days, both Parties have enough sleaze of their own to worry about. As far as the Catholic church; they are a non-entity anymore. Catholics vote for baby killers and same-sex marriage proponents just like millions of non-Catholics. After the Church Sex Scandals, Catholicsim lost a lot of members and a whole hell of a lot of influence. That's why they are PRO-illegal aliens; they need the Mexicans from Mexico to finance the church. So, screw them and the horse they rode in on.

[justiceseeker93]

I can't think of any elected Republican official who has made it back from any sex or other major scandal in recent times, so it might be ill-advised for Fossella to re-enter the fray. Could this Politico article be an attempt by the enemy to bait him into the race on which he is now undecided? Knowing Politico, I wouldn't be surprised.

[justiceseeker93]

>...now[a]days, both parties have enough sleaze of their own to worry about.

Yes, there is sleaze in both parties, but despite the common 'Rat refrain, it isn't exactly the same. There is less sleaze in the GOP, and a Republican official who disgraces himself is generally much less tolerated by his colleagues within the party than a Democrat who does likewise.

[ml/nj]

I would never vote for Fossella. (Which doesn't mean I would vote for the Dim.) That the Republicans cannot come up with someone other than a moral reprobate is scandalous.

ML/NJ

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks justiceseeker93!

[Oceander]

If this PoS has even a single bone of decency left, he'll say "well, I've considered it, and all things considered, I think that that chapter in my life is closed and it's time to move on to bigger and better things."

I ain't bettin' on that, though.