Rep. Vito Fossella (R-N.Y.) said Thursday that he had an extramarital affair that has resulted in a three-year-old daughter in a statement released through a public relations firm.
{mosads}“My personal failings and imperfections have caused enormous pain to the people I love and I am truly sorry,” Fossella said in the statement.
“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,” the lawmaker, who was arrested for drunk driving last week, said. “Over the coming weeks and months, I will to continue to do my job and I will work hard to heal the deep wounds I have caused.”
Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said that he had spoken briefly with Fossella and added that the decision on whether or not the lawmaker should resign was up to the New York Republican and his family.
“I think Mr. Fossella is going to have some decisions to make over the weekend,” Boehner stated.
Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.), who said he was one of Fossella’s closest friends in Congress, said the political future of his New York colleague can be dealt with in due time.
“What happens politically can be decided later,” King said. “Right now all we should be thinking about is what is best for him and his family.”
Republican Conference Chairman Rep. Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) was more outspoken regarding Fossella’s political future.
“If his district is anything like mine, I suspect that it’s over,” he stated.
Putnam added that he was not in a position to comment on whether the GOP would be best served if Fossella were to step down so a replacement candidate could be found to run in the strongly Republican district.
“I’m sure that the [National Republican Congressional] Committee is looking at all of their options and trying to find out what Mr. Fossella’s options are and what the best options are for holding onto that seat,” Putnam said.
The lawmaker had been elected to a sixth term in 2006, getting 57 percent of the vote.
The filing deadline for Republican candidates in New York is in July.
Jackie Kucinich contributed to this report.