Embattled NYC pol faces tough decision

by Aamer Madhani

The noose seems to be tightening around the neck of the embattled Rep. Vito Fossella.

Since his arrest for allegedly driving while drunk and a subsequent confession last week that he fathered a child in an extramarital affair, Fossella has resisted calls that he should immediately step down from his House seat.

On Friday, the editorial boards of the State Island Advocate and the New York Post, two newspapers with sway in Fossella's backyard, called on the Republican congressman to step down.

And now the New York Daily News has tossed another log on the Fossella fire. The paper is reporting in today's edition that Fossella told the woman that is the mother of his 3-year-old love child that he was separated from his wife.

The woman, retired Air Force Col. Laura Fay, told those around her recently that the Staten Island congressman had split with his wife, Mary Pat, the Daily News reports. Fossella remains married.

Fossella and Fay's relationship came to light after the congressman was arrested on May 1 in northern Virginia suburbs of Washington and charged with driving while intoxicated.

Fossella told the police after he was stopped for running a red light not far from Fay's home that he was on his way to visit his sick daughter. Fossella's blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit. Fossella was later released to Fay's custody.

Fossella, who is the only Republican from New York City serving in Congress, puts the GOP in a tough spot.

If Fossella did step down, and that resignation took effect before July 1, New York's Democratic governor David Paterson would have the option of calling a special election to fill the seat for the rest of the year.

That would force the financially struggling House GOP campaign committee to plow a large amount of money into an extra election in New York City, one of the most expensive places in the nation to campaign.

If Fossella made his resignation effective after July 1, then there would be no special election, the seat would be empty for the remainder of the year and the normal primary and general election process would take place.

House Minority Leader John Boehner said earlier this week that he expected Fossella to make a decision on his future over the weekend.

"I think Mr. Fossella is going to have some decisions to make over the weekend," Boehner said. "And I would hope that, and frankly expect, that this is a decision between he, his family and his constituents."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.