May 8, 2008
Posted: 08:35 AM ET

From
Rep. Vito Fossella of New York
Rep. Vito Fossella of New York

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Vito Fossella of New York acknowledged on Thursday that he fathered a child from an extramarital affair, answering questions that arose from his arrest on drunken driving charges last week.

"My personal failings and imperfections have caused enormous pain to the people I love and I am truly sorry," said Fossella, a Republican, who has three children with his wife in Staten Island,
N.Y.

Fossella's private life came under scrutiny after he was arrested last week in the Virginia suburbs of Washington. Police said his blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit, and he could face a mandatory five days in jail if convicted.

When Fossella was pulled over, police said he told officers that he was going to see his daughter in the area. That prompted questions about who the daughter was.

"I have had a relationship with Laura Fay, with whom I have a 3-year-old daughter," Fossella said in his statement. It was Fay who got him out of jail after the arrest.

The disclosure clouds Fossella's political future. He faced a surprisingly tough re-election challenge in 2006, and Democrats were hoping to unseat him this year.

"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 continue to do my job and I will work hard to heal the deep wounds I have caused," he said.

Fossella was elected to Congress in 1997 in a special election to replace Rep. Susan Molinari, who resigned. A graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he also earned a
law degree from Fordham University.

Fossella, 43, serves as a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Filed under: Vito Fossella


This side of the Mississippi   May 8th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Same Politician song, different politician verse

Jeanne   May 8th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Who cares. So what if he's a hypocrit. Most politicians are. Does he do a good job in representing his constituents? That's the only thing that matters.

Lucy   May 8th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

What is wrong with New York Politicians? Hillary? Anyone……?

Speachless   May 8th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Wow. How screwed up is New York? Is life really that difficult for people to lead a normal life, or at this point an un-normal life?

Peter in PA   May 8th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

These Republicans are Joke! Where is the family and moral values???

Charlie, Upstate NY   May 8th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Game, set, and match.

Vito, it is time to bow out, though it's too late to do so gracefully. Get your life together, but not while on the public nickel. Hit the road, Jack. This is not just a problem for you and your family. It's a problem for the taxpayers who elected you and whom you purport to represent. The public representatives must be able to concentrate on the momentous issues of the day. America is fighting a war on two fronts. The economy is in peril. This is not time to have our Congressmen running wild. Adios.

Johnny Be Good   May 8th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Humm…..this is so funny. I find it funny that these people think they are above us and when these things happen to them i really get a gut wrenching laugh from it. We as a people or I should say population, elected some of the most retarted(bad word, but I could not help it) people in the world. Goverement to me sometimes seems like a bad idea. What is the good that comes from it? From a good or bad standpoint, it seems to me that more bad comes from washington than good. Did our American Indians brothers have a goverement…..exactly my point.

TEXAN FOR THE NAKED TRUTH.   May 8th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

WHY SHOULD THIS MATTER. THIS HAPPENS TO A LOT OF GOOD AMERICANS. THE MAN HAS A RIGHT TO REPENT. BUT THE MEDIA DOES NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO BLASTPHENE THIS MAN TO RUIN HIS FAMILY AND HIS CAREER. Can't you CNN find a newsworthy story to print.

maya   May 8th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

who cares

out d'mned spot   May 8th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

RESIGN NOW

we ARE bitter!!!!!   May 8th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

REPUBLICAN SCUM!!!!!!!!!

Norm   May 8th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

This getting into the personal live of anyone has to stop……… None of use is perfect

Stacy Clarks   May 8th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

what a shock…so it turns out all the politicans and state officials of new yok are sex crazed maniacs!!!

nothing suprises me anymore!

The Austrian   May 8th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Oh how lost is the Party of Principle!

It's time for the Austrians to rise and take back the party that has become so corrupted with licentious wastrels and socialist, empire-building scalliwags!

Phil-Little Rock   May 8th, 2008 12:39 pm ET

Texan for the Naked Truth, Democrats get impeached (Bill Clinton). Republicans, in your eyes, get to repent. How lopsided is that?

Ian   May 8th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

The whole story seems fishy to me. There was no mention of little boys.

Independent   May 8th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

How many more of these politician scandals are going to come to light?! Is there something about being a politician that makes you unable to accept a normal life?

MR. AMERICA   May 8th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

MR. AMERICA wants to know if this is yet another "error in judgement"???

The probem, Texas, is not his actions…the problem is that he is a lawmaker and a GOP "values candidate" that speaks out against the things that he himself does.
That's why it's in the news. No one cares if you cheat on your wife, but a high and mighty Republican family man doing it is newsworthy because it exposes YET ANOTHER case of GOP HYPOCRISY!

fafa   May 8th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Republican isn't it?

Ratgurl   May 8th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Isn't it funny how these Republicans, the party pushin "conservativism," keep getting caught with their pants down? Hypocracy at its finest!

Lucy   May 8th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Does this man not make enough money to get a cab? Every time I apply for a job, my past DUI is exposed, it should be just as degrading for our politicians.

Do they have to submit to random drug testing to keep their jobs? NO, Why is that? I'm tired of the double standards that our politicians put upon the citizens of this country.

Sean   May 8th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

TEXAN FOR THE NAKED TRUTH: Repent? That's the problem with this country. Sin all through the week, and repent on Sunday. All is forgiven! That's a cop out.

Ari   May 8th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Haha. Republicans are getting more scandals than democrats. They talked so much smack bout Bill Clinton in the 90s, that Karma is coming to bite them in the rear.

So far:
1) Paul Wolfowitz of the World Bank giving his girlfriend a job.
2) Sen Craig of ID solicitng sex from an undercover cop in an airport bathroom.
3) Sen Vitter of LA admitting seeking a prostitute,
4) Mark Foley with the pages.
5) Randall Tobias linked to prostitution investigation.
6) Ted Haggard paying male prostitutes for sex and snorting crystal meth
7) Bob Allen of FL offering an undercover cop $20 to allow Allen to blow him in a men’s room in a public park
8) Glenn Murphy Jr. (look it up on wikipedia)

Bukky   May 8th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Umm, Is anyone gonna be happy that he ACTUALLY spend time with this kid. There are a lot of people that have taken the low road in the same predicament. The Only news here is that he cheated on his wife… something tells me that this is NOT news to her.

I didnt care who Bill Clinton was doing, I dont care who this guy is doing

Dave   May 8th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Nothing like Republican family values!!!

Ari   May 8th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

The reason this matters, is because they are going around for reelection stating that the dems are immoral and unethical. When they are the ones taking bribes and doing the immoral things.

And no he doesnt do a good job of representing Staten Island/Bklyn interests.

Al, NY NY   May 8th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Yet another member of the "values" party bites the dust. This one gives new meaning to the "family" part of that hypocritical catch-phrase

Marshall   May 8th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

THis is why we need a change!

Not So Republican   May 8th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Interesting how the Republicans; become "human: after the fact. It would have been just fine if he hadn't been caught…let it had been a democrat or even more so a minority in public office….

TRACY   May 8th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Resign you hypocritical pariah!! WE CARE MAYA! We want our elected representatives to represent us and maintain a moral standard that positively affects our society! The WHO CARES attitude is what got this country into the mess its in right now!!

EC   May 8th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

DO Americans think SEX does NOT affect a politicians judgement?

Guess again!

SEX makes people LIE, CHEAT, GROVEL, BEG, HATE, KILL and STEAL.

To think Americans think that what a politicians does in "private" does NOT affect what he does in a political office is completely IGNORANT. SURE it does. SEX is not only physical, it's mental. AND it DOES spill over into everything when a person is "cheating" or "screwing" around, it DOES affect his work ethics and judgment 100% percent. To think otherwise is NOT being realistic, it's more like more excuses to justify the deceit.

For Politicians to think that their "dirt" won't come back to BITE THEM IN THE ARSE is just stupidity at its best!! Most politicians believe they are 'ABOVE THE LAW AND THE PEOPLE TO WHICH THEY SWORE TO SERVE". They start thinking "it will never happen to me". Geee, haven't we all heard that line before? I mean give me a break.

All you have to do is watch the news. OUR politicians are getting OUT OF CONTROL, they are blatantly disregarding the simple code of ethics and behavior. I mean we teach our kids RIGHT from WRONG and here we have GROWN ADULTS in office acting like they didn't have the sense that GOD gave them!!!

I'm sick and tired of the excuses and the apologies. I'm just over it. These politicians have been getting away with behaving like "sexual lunatics" and think they can just "apologize" and that makes it all okay.

ENOUGH ALREADY.

He should RESIGN and deal with his family. THEY are the ones who PAY THE ULTIMATE PRICE. It's never the MAN, it's always the WIFE AND CHILDREN who pay the PRICE for their bad judgement. It devastates families and sometimes destroys them beyond repair. These men NEVER think about their WIVES and CHILDREN when they are doing their "dirt", it's ONLY WHEN THEY GET CAUGHT that they suddenly start thinking about their wives and children. How convenient huh? These wives needs to stop enabling these men and making excuses for them all in the name of "marriage".

mama4obama   May 8th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

My kids usually like it when dad is sober when he is around them. DId you even think of that?

Your wife must be a saint. Im so sick of people thinking they can go and have affairs, produce children who will suffer from it and go on abou their business like nothing ever happened.

sick.

KJR   May 8th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

This is about as important or newsworthy as the photo of "Obama in jeans"…..CNN, you resemble the National Enquirer more and more each day….

Doc   May 8th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

he should resign just as they made spitzer resign. and yes fossella did commit a crime, he drank and drive. that is a not a good example for anybody. how many people do we have to see get away with these horrible crimes before we say enough is enough,

this is newsworthy.

Tina   May 8th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

90% of the politicians have at least one affair, they are all a bunch of hypocrites.I remember Jessie Jackson when Bill's affair with Monika became public, going to the White House as to do some kind of exorcist and 2 weeks after we learnt about his affair and the yatch he bought for her. ALL HYPOCRITES.
I would like to know since when politic and affair were not compatible. Give me a break. I prefer the attitude of the Frenchs, the Carribeans, The Latinos " not having an affair may look suspicious"

Darth Vadik, CA   May 8th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

He's really having some bad luck (brought upon on himself), first a DUI now a child out of wedlock.

As far as the DUI, its unforgivable,

but when it comes to the kid I only have one question:

IS HE HALPING OUT AND BEING A DAD TO THE KID?

ick   May 8th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Just what every three year old girl wants - a visit from Drunken Daddy.

mitchell from arkansaw   May 8th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

another shining example,of the republican morals,that bush ran his 2000 campaign on.hypocrits!

innc   May 8th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

who cares? really? He was drunk driving at twice the legal limit. I don't care too much about his personal life, but politicians should obey drunk driving laws.

Joe Regis   May 8th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

You have no moral authoriyt to be a leader.

Do the right thing and resign now.

Sociopath, psychopath, SCUM.

SHIRLEY-OHIO   May 8th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

So what who cares yall all do you just haven't got caught and so what if you do, that life and it goes on.

Cammi317   May 8th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Back to back scandals in that State. What are they pumping into those administrative offices up there?

Bob   May 8th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

The only think he's sorry about is that he got caught.

Dylan   May 8th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Let me guess… he was another one of those Republican "values" candidates. Just like Sen. Craig. Just like Rep. Foley. Just like Sen Vitter. They're all the same hypocritical scum.

Aren't you tired of it too?   May 8th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Republican Family Values. They love to beat everyone with that stick…might be nice if they tried living by those values too. Whatever happened to Larry Craig?

mjc   May 8th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

stupid hypocritical republicans! figures you're a staten island politician, after all staten island is the last safe haven for republican politicians in NYC! get lost!

Brian from Fort Mill, S.C.   May 8th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

It must suck to be a Republican…

Nathan Prophet, Raleigh, NC   May 8th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Another "fallen" politician. Is he now "starting his atonement" a la Eliot Sptizer? These guys are LOSERS, yet they are able to fool the public and their families until they are caught - some of them. There are many more doing the same thing as this Dodo bird hypocrite. We ought to root them out, tar and feather them and run them out of town on a rail.

James Nelson   May 8th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Funny how it's always Republican politicians drinking, whoring, embezzling…

Must be all that repression and unrequited rage. No wonder they need to be praying all the time.

NEVER AN OBAMAPHILE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   May 8th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

WHO CARES????????????????????

HILLARY IS GOING TO WIPE THE FLOOR WITH OBAMA IN WEST VIRGINIA AND KENTUCKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO HILL GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shasta   May 8th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Is it wrong that I seriously loved this story? The guy gets caught in an affair because he was pulled over while hammered, and then his baby mama bailed him out of jail? You can't make this stuff up. I love it.

Virginia   May 8th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Big mistake………but every one of us makes mistakes.

A Real Democrat   May 8th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

What is up with the NY politicians?! Man, they're a rowdy bunch. Not that I care, I just think its a bit humorous. Its almost like politicians are like real people! They mess up, they do bad things. We shouldn't look down on others, because people do things behind closed doors, and politicians are no exception. I wonder what's up with Hillary…

Living in the USA   May 8th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Looking at stuff like this makes me real happy to be single. That is a shame.

steveg   May 8th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

I don't think the media and those critical of this man are ruining his family, he's done more than a sufficient job of doing so himself.

It's ironic that the party all but dominated by holier-than-thou platitues and attitudes is just as likely to have members "slip", only they are on the fast track to repentance, unlike the other unwashed heathen liberals.

Ugo   May 8th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Hahahaaha!!! U gotta hand to these Republicans.

al-des moines   May 8th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

It is hilarious that it is always Republicans, the moral "conscience" of the country!

steveg   May 8th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Oh, and some of us Texans can spell "blaspheme", and know it's generally used when referring to a god, deity, or other sacred object, not a politician. *sigh*

Bitter - New Orleans, LA   May 8th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

This stuff is not confined to the republican party…

proud army and navy mom   May 8th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

wow, cnn stop erasing my posts.

so let me get this right. the good rep was speeding to see his other woman and 3 year old child. his ho bailed him out of jail. where's the wife. why is she letting herself be disgraced.

sra   May 8th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

So the guy is drunk when he plans on visiting his child. What a dad.

john   May 8th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

shame on him for acting like a democrat.

Jane   May 8th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Mrs. Fossella, get the most expensive divorce lawyer your husband can afford. Now. You will be sorry if you don't.

Bitter - New Orleans, LA   May 8th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Who cares what the man does with his personal life. If it's not spilling into his profession or illegal, what right do you have to call for his resignation?

Randy - Denver   May 8th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

I just have to laugh at the situation, another Republican, who most likely ran on family values and respect and all the stuff they run on, gets caught violating the very things he stated he stands for. Not just ONE but TWOFER! DRIVING DRUNK AND HAVING AN AFFAIR! At what point are Americans going to learn that neither party ahs a lock on family values? That we all want basically the same things for ourselves and our families and that all the hogwash about religion and family values that are touted during elections are simply pandering to us the gullible elcetorate!

Jasmyne   May 8th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Just another dirty NY politician.

Liz from Staten Island   May 8th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Please resign now. You should have the night you were arrested. I voted for you and supported you for many years.But I have 2 teenage sons and you are a poor example of a man. I can no longer stomach you representing our community.

Sal in Phoenix   May 8th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

At least this time the Republican was with a woman instead of a man!

Clueless peole   May 8th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

For everyone attacking him BECAUSE he is a Republican… you are nothing more than a political bigot.

Republicans, Democrats - hell EVERYONE screws up. The guy was going to see his daughter and apparently drinking. Let him face the penalties and get on with life. Let the VOTERS of NY decide his political fate.

You "crash scene gawkers"…. nice.

D.R Harrisburg, NC   May 8th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

if this happened to Obama they would be calling for his head

A.R. Wolf   May 8th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Before trashing Fossella, I would have to read some of his opinions, and what his election platform was. Everyone makes mistakes, and some persons fall in love outside of wedlock. What always makes me furious, are the hypocrites, who say one thing, and then do another.

joe   May 8th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Check the DNA It could be Bill's.

Margeaux   May 8th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Good grief. Can't these people keep their hands to themselves. Why do I constantly have to hear stories like this. I hope he was supporting that kid.

I only care because this stuff hits the news and people begin to think it is normal behavior for marriages.

Andy   May 8th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

"These Republicans are Joke! Where is the family and moral values???"

Peter, not sure. Let's ask Kwame Kilpatrick and Elliot Spitzer.

Dee from Texas   May 8th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

OH -OH he and Hillary will be voted out next election in NEW YORK!

Peejay   May 8th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Stories like this make me wonder why so many PA state politicians are pursuing a "Defense of Marriage" amendment to prevent gay couples from having the same rights as heterosexual couples. If this is the kind of marriage they want to defend, why bother? At least Fossella's wife wasn't compelled to stand beside or behind her husband while he "confessed" (from what I can see in the photo).

broadstreet buddy   May 8th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

hey Texan, "good Americans" do not cheat on their wife! "Good Americans" stay faithful to their vows before God. "Good Americans" practice what they preach. Republicans always use religion to get elected but NEVER follow any religous or moral ethic! Wake up!

jim   May 8th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

wow, NY sure does crank out some fantastic politicians. it's no wonder clinton decided to adopt NY as her hometown for senate. where do they find these people?

Jay   May 8th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

Take a look at his picture…who would have an affair with THAT guy? I think he's just trying to up his own stock.

Jason - KY   May 8th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Now that you have apologized, take care of your family.

Laf   May 8th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Vito, is doing a great job, He that is without sin among us, let him first cast a stone!!!

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