DCRepublican.com

Tue 20 May 2008

It looks like ‘Vito Power’ Fossella won’t be seeking reelection for a sixth term in November. This is just another addition to what could easily be classified as the worst month of May any one person could have.

For those who haven’t followed the story, it started with a drunk-driving arrest, then an admission of having an affair and fathering a child with his mistress.

May isn’t over yet…

In a written statement, Vito Fossella stated (via CNN.com):

“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”

Even though drunk driving and cheating on your wife aren’t the best ways to ensure a successful reelection, there are people who have been reelected after doing much worse.

I honestly believe that if Fossella wanted to run again, he would probably get reelected. He’s a popular conservative, who usually votes well and seems to represent the political ‘best-interests’ of his Staten Island constituency.

But, it makes sense why he wouldn’t run – choosing to focus on healing the wounds with his family first.

It’s unfortunate that this had to happen when it did. This is a horrible year for the NRCC as it is and now another open seat is going to make things event tougher.

With all the problems aside, I still have a great deal of respect for Vito Fossella. Professionally, he’s a leader and a statesman, whatever he does during his personal time doesn’t matter to me.

I guess it could have been worse… at least it wasn’t a hooker.

I don’t think this is the end for Vito Fossella. He’s young, energetic and is still well liked. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him reemerge, seeking another political office in the near future.