| As Phillip indicated on Friday, it appeared at the time that Rep. Vito Fossella (R-Staten Island) was going to step down no later than Monday.
But if the New York Post is any indication, Fossella might be sticking around to run again in November.
Defying disgusted constituents and angry Republican leaders, disgraced Rep. Vito Fossella has told pals he plans to seek re-election.
And, shockingly, the Staten Island pol is feeling "pretty good," he confided to friends.
...
Fossella's statements not only defy national party leaders, who have said they will not back him, but suggest the congressman may be in denial.
He even expressed shock that other Republicans are eyeing his seat.
"What's this all about?" Fossella asked Molinari, of news reports naming potential GOP candidates.
He said he was "surprised" and "puzzled" that party colleagues are being mentioned as possible replacements, Molinari said.
Those close to Fossella continue to support him, Molinari said. "Vito is surprised and emboldened by the support he's been getting."
Fossella also received some support from a good friend yesterday - Rep. Peter King. King criticized Republicans for their approach with Fossella while expressing support for his good friend.
Long Island congressman Peter King slammed fellow Republicans for "posturing" by pressuring his close friend Rep. Vito Fossella about resigning amid revelations of Fossella's drunken-driving arrest and secret love child.
"To me, it's putting a knife in the back of a good guy who's made a mistake," said King (R-Seaford).
King, who said he'd been with Fossella "continually" in the past few days, said the two have not discussed how the scandal might tint Fossella's political future.
King said Republicans "who are supposed to be his friends" should be giving the Staten Island-Brooklyn Republican "the time and opportunity to make that decision" -- whether to resign, to serve out his term but leave afterward or to stay in office and seek another term -- "himself."
I think Fossella should resign. Going to D.C., having a child out of wedlock and getting a DWI (a very serious DWI) should tell constituents that he isn't going to Congress to represent them. He appears to be going there to live a double life. |
