Rep. Vito Fossella Apologizes for Drunk Driving Arrest

Vito Fossella, the lone Republican Congressional representative from New York City, was arrested early yesterday morning for driving while impaired outside of Washington, D.C. Fossella, whose activities leading up to the arrest are not known (his day events included the NY Giants' visit to the White House), issued this 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."

His blood alcohol content was not revealed, but he could be fined $250 and lose his license for a year if convicted. There may also be mandatory jail time of a few days. One of the two Democrats hoping to unseat him this election year, Steve Harrison, said, "Driving while intoxicated is a very serious crime. I hope this isn't true. If it is, he should seriously consider leaving Congress."

When the Daily News called Fossella's parents' house and told the elderly woman who answered about the arrest, she hung up the phone after saying, "Oh gosh! Goodbye!" Fossella, who represents Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn, is expected to give a press conference today.

And driving-related problems seem to run in the family: In 2006, Fossella admitted his brother was driving a car that almost hit two couples in Staten Island--John Fossella also allegedly got out of the car and chased the couples with a bat.

Update: Fossella's blood alcohol was 0.17-- more than twice the legal limit of 0.08 in Virginia.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on May 2, 2008 8:24 AM

Comments [rss]

albertjamess

A Republican congressman who reps Staten Island and part of Brooklyn is apologizing profusely for his drunken driving arrest, and is begging forgiveness from his family and constituents.

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albertjames

california dui

sonyactivision

I'm sure his constituents are delighted to learn that they elected a beer strainer. Maybe he can bring a brewery to his district and then stumble gracefully out of office.

Snoopy

It all comes down to dollars and lack of sense. A six pack of cold PBRs are about $5.75. A driver meanwhile will cost you about $20 to $25 and hour. Do the math.

rtd2101

I never understand why famous people or politicians get pulled over for drunk driving.

Both rich celebrities and politicians can afford to have a car service or driver to take them around when out drinking.

Why insist on driving yourself!?!?

Snoopy

By couple he was meaning six packs not individual cans. Or maybe he was doing 40's.

Dave Hogarty

The "couple of beers" defense.

"Oh, when you heard 'couple of beers,' you were inferring that I literally meant two, or a pair of beers.

"I was actually using 'a couple' to imply that I had 7 or 8 beers. What do you mean I'm under arrest?"

theevilone

This guy should also apologize to the other people on the road he endangered. He should be more than embarassed. He allegedly committed a crime.

UpperEastSighed

Thanks for finally reporting this. I was suspicious about a vast right-wing conspiracy. However, I think this will only encourage people to vote for him.

Snoopy

I find these comments racist. I'm calling Alberto Sharptonelli about this.

just saying

You're mistaken. You have the wrong greaseball.

Fossella is the greaseball who was inappropriately using campaign funds for restaurant meals and vacations (in addition to being DUI). I have not been thrilled about him since he tried to install a waste treatment plant in residential Bay Ridge, Bklyn some years ago (before he was elected to the U.S. Congress).