May 8, 2008 8:20 am US/Pacific
New York Rep. Admits Fathering Love Child
Republican Congressman Vito Fosella Confesses To Fathering 3-Year Old With Woman Not His Wife
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Rep. Vito Fossella (File)
www.house.gov
Rep. Vito Fossella has admitted fathering a 3-year-old daughter with a woman outside his marriage.
The Republican congressman from New York City made the announcement Thursday amid heavy scrutiny after his arrest for drunken driving last week in suburban Washington.
Police said Fossella told officers that he was going to see his daughter in the area when he was pulled over. That prompted questions about whether he had fathered an out-of-wedlock child because his wife lives in New York and the couple has three children together.
Fossella is the lone Republican member of the New York City congressional delegation.
In a statement to the press, Fossella said:
"I have had a relationship with Laura Fay, with whom I have a three year old daughter.
"My personal failings and imperfections have caused enormous pain to the people I love and I am truly sorry.
"While I understand that there will be many questions, including those about my political future, making any political decisions right now are furthest from my mind.
"Over the coming weeks and months, I will to continue to do my job and I will work hard to heal the deep wounds I have caused." The news comes just days after Fossella was arrested on drunk driving charges.
New details emerged Tuesday about a night on the town that ended with the politician in jail.
After leaving Logan's Tavern in Washington, the Congressman was reportedly pulled over in Alexandria, Va., for drunk driving.
Fossella said he was on his way to visiting friends in Virginia, but speculation immediately swirled around who the friends were.
After he was arrested with a blood-alcohol level of .17 -- more than twice the legal limit – he was bailed out by former Lt. Col. Laura Fay.
Questions rose as to why Fossella called Fay when he could have called his own chief of staff, who reportedly lives in Alexandria, Va.
CBS station WCBS-TV tried to contact Fay, but was unsuccessful.
Fossella's wife, Mary Patricia, looked upset at the press conference he held on Friday. Upon entering, the two quickly separated.
"I take full responsibility and realize I've embarrassed my family," Fossella said then.
Fossella could be facing even more problems. A spokesman for the House Ethics Committee tells WCBS-TV that the committee has 30 days from the date of his arrest to decide whether to open a full investigation.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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