13th CONGRESSIONAL SEAT LOOKS BLUE

The US Congress is about to get a new face from New York, well after this year’s general election anyway. It seems Vito Fossella of Staten Island has been arrested in Alexandria, Virginia for DWI.

Virginia is very strict when it comes to driving under the influence, including severe punishments for anyone prosecuted on those charges. So of course Fossella's office issued the following statement:

“Last night I made an error in judgment. As a parent, I know that taking even one drink of alcohol before getting behind the wheel of a car is wrong. I apologize to my family and the constituents of the 13th Congressional District for embarrassing them, as well as myself.”

As we had discussed in many instances, elected officials need to be held to a higher standard. We expect a role model from those who write the laws. You would think Vito would be conscious of this fact. But those who know him in the press seem to think he’s a bit of a live wire.

Fossella is facing a serious challenge this year with Steve Harrison closing in fast. His margins of victory get smaller and smaller each election, and this year the DCCC will probably fund his opponent. It makes you wonder whether he really wants the job any more.

Reports claim that his BAL was twice the legal limit when he was pulled over. Twice! If he only had one drink, it must have been mighty stiff.

Vito climbed the ranks from SI Councilman to Congressman very quickly with the help of Staten Island’s Borough President James Molinaro, who happened to be the former Congressman of the 13th. (Pictured left)

With plenty of money and powerful friends, you can do just about anything. So long as you don’t party too hard in Virginia. Wonder if the influence of his friends will help in VA?

I think we will all watch the race for that seat this year. It should be fun.