May 20, 2008 4:34 am US/Pacific
Scandal-Plagued N.Y. Rep. Won't Seek Re-Election
Embattled Congressman Made Announcement On Website
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Congressman Vito Fossella (file)
www.house.gov
Vito Fossella, a five-term Republican congressman from Staten Island, formally posted his decision on his website Tuesday in a letter to the constituents of the 13th Congressional District his decisions to not run for re-election this November and to not resign.
"This choice was an extremely difficult one, balanced between my dedication to service our great nation and the need to concentrate on healing the wounds that I have caused to my wife and family," he said in the online statement.
The announcement comes two weeks after damaging and scandal-filled headlines about a love child from an extra-marital affair with a retired Air Force colonel who was working as a congressional liason.
The 43-year-old married father of three other children is also facing a mandatory five days in jail if convicted for drunk driving, reported CBS station WCBS-TV in New York.
Vito Fossella's statement continues: "For over 10 years, I have had the distinct privilege of representing the people of Staten Island and Brooklyn. I have been humbled by their support and honored to represent them in Congress. Over the years, we have achieved many great things that have helped make our community and this country a better place to live - from closing the Fresh Kills Landfill, to saving Fort Hamilton, to helping New York cope with the pain and recover from the 9/11 attacks. I am extremely proud of these and other achievements and the fact that our work has made a positive difference in the lives of so many people."
"It is for this reason that I will continue to serve you and our community for the duration of my term, which will expire on January 3, 2009," he said.
Regarding his decision to not seek another term in office, Fossella said: "Despite the personal mistakes I have made, I am touched by the outpouring of support and encouragement I have received from so many people... and while many have urged me to run for re-election, I believe this course of action is best for my family and our community."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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