SI GOP Nominates Vito Fossella To Run This Fall

Former Congressman Vito Fossella, who decided not to run for reelection in 2008 when a DWI led to revelations about a mistress and a love child, was nominated by the Staten Island GOP Executive Committee last night to run against Rep. Michael McMahon (D). The Advance reports that party chairman John Friscia said, "It is my firm belief that he [Fossella] is the strongest candidate we can field," yet "acknowledged that he has no information Fossella would run."

There were rumors last week that the well-liked Fossella would run again, the nomination is called "startling" by the Post while the Daily News reports even GOP members were shocked, with a source saying "There was no explanation. Everybody walked out with their mouths [hanging] open."

Former Rep. Guy Molinari, who also once mentored Fossella, slammed the 23-4 vote, saying that it was a "new low." Molinari support Michael Grimm for the seat, and said, "Fossella has been playing his usual game at the expense of two other candidates." (Michael Allegretti is the other contender.) Molinari added, "I welcome a primary with Fossella. It's going to be ugly, it's going to be nasty, but he has to know that would come out in the course of a campaign. Everything he has done will be brought to light by me in this campaign. I have a difficult time believing that Fossella would put his own personal ambitions above his family. His family has been through enough and I couldn't believe that he would be willing to put them through all of that once again."

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By Jen Chung in News on May 20, 2010 8:20 AM

Comments [rss]

Ed

With this Decision the Republican Party endorses, Cheating on your Wife, Living a Double life, having an other "Baby's Mama", Drinking while driving, Making false statements while under oath. In 2003 Marty Golden got the funds to rehab the Bay Ridge to Bensonhurst bike path from the 69 Street Pier to Bay Pky.. During construction Vito Fossella Redirected More than Half of the Monies to Repave the Belt Pky. from 69 Street to 14 Ave. Regardless of the fact that the Money for repaving the Belt Pky. was already approved, the project was to start just six months later, but Vito Fossella was inpatient. Now the Bike Path from 4th Ave. to Bay Pky. is worse than ever!! Thanks Vito! As an Independent Voter I Guarantee to you Vito Fossella that I Will Not Vote for You!! Remember Kids Vito Fossella's old district covers Staten Island and Brooklyn...

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

The GOP should have found an unknown to wipe the floor with McMahon. This is the year for the unknowns.

jbloggs

The GOP is hopeless. No one wants corrupt DC insiders who preach one way and do another. (Dems will support Rangle so it is no better).

Vito is as dumb as a door stop. He is a stupid, corrupt, buffoon.

McMahon wins second term uncontested.

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

yes! Get McMahon OUT, the former lobbyist of NYC horse carriage industry and the brother i n law of Linda Gibbs who does nothing for the horses. She is Dept Mayor and charge of Dept of Health and she made sure no inspections of the horses nor the stable were ever done.

YEAH. GET LOST MICHAEL MCMAHON

John L

This is amazing. Nothing is sacred anymore. Politicians can break the law, cheat, whatever and just get a timeout, sit it out for a few years, and jump right back into it, wow. By the way, Spitzer is on is way back too. It's despicable.

Spirit of 76

It may be a new low, but I doubt we've seen them hit bottom yet. Politicians never cease to amaze me.

Jamie McDonald

Keep it real, Richmond County, keep it real.

xgeyiph772

Even I'm embarrased to be from Staten Island after this! May have to pack my bags and move to Kensington :-O

Jamie McDonald

Totally understand how you feel, but you know, I hear Riverdale is also lovely this time of year.

xgeyiph772

Methinks you don't want me in Kensington...getting ready to drive to Park Slope to take a friend to lunch. Will give a toot of the horn as I drive by K-ton (my new name for "Kensington" so all the hipsters will fall in love with it). Cheers.