From the House Race Hotline for Tuesday, May 20,2008

NEW YORK 13 (R/STATEN ISLAND -- FOSSELLA)

Goodbye, NYC GOP Survivor

Tue. May 20, 2008


In a "bombshell announcement" that brings the "curtain down on one of the most storied careers" in Staten Island pol. history, Rep. Vito Fossella (R) "will not seek re-election" (Wrobleski, Staten Island Advance, 5/19). He's "not resigning," saving House GOPers from having to defend another seat "in what would have been an expensive" special election (Kane, Washington Post, 5/20).

"Mired in scandal" after revelations about the secret daughter he fathered with Laura Fay "became public," Fossella told constituents in a letter posted on his Website this a.m.: "After a great deal of consideration, I have made the decision not to seek re-election. ... 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."

More Fossella: "Despite the personal mistakes I have made, I am touched by the outpouring of support and encouragement I have received from so many people. Their kind words and prayers during this difficult time mean more to me than I can express. 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" (Staten Island Advance, 5/19).

One Last Hurrah

The decision came after "one final weekend of politicking," when he "surprised" hundreds at the Staten Island Conservative Party Dinner 5/16, and the next day, marched in the annual Great Kills Memorial Day parade (Cruz/Meek/Benjamin/Lovett, New York Daily News, 5/20). He was "mostly well-received" at both (Haberman/Campanile, New York Post, 5/20).

The appearances had GOPers and Dems alike "speculating that not only" wouldn't he resign, but he'd also seek re-election. But the support from GOPers and Conservatives "just wasn't there in the end." A GOPer said the "expectation was" that Fossella would make the announcement 5/16, but "he was grasping at straws, seeing whether reelection was doable." A GOPer: "We understand he's been thinking about it for a while, but it was time to make a move so we can open the field up" (New York Daily News, 5/20).

Always Good To Have A D.D. Just In Case

The GOP Exec. Cmte. "is set to interview" candidates 5/21, but it's "not yet known" who will come for an interview (Staten Island Advance, 5/19). Staten Island DA Daniel Donovan (R) and state Sen. Andrew Lanza (R), "a close friend" of Fossella, are possible replacements (New York Daily News, 5/20). Within hours of Fossella's "admission of an extramarital affair," Min. Leader John Boehner (OH-08) contacted Donovan to "discuss the possibility of his running" should Fossella resign or retire (Hicks, New York Times, 5/20).

Lanza "is said to be furious" with the NRCC for "abandoning" Fossella. Also, with NY GOPers "clinging" to a slim majority in the state Senate, "there will be pressure" on Lanza to seek re-election (New York Daily News, 5/20).

On the Dem side, NYC Councilor Michael McMahon (D), Assemb. Michael Cusick (D) and state Sen. Diane Savino (D) "are among" the Dems mulling the race. But the Staten Island lawmakers "face the wrath" of Brooklyn Dem leaders because two Brooklyn candidates, NYC Councilor Domenic Recchia (D) and atty Stephen Harrison (D) "have already been in the race for months" (Staten Island Advance, 5/19).

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