Outgoing GOP Rep. Vito Fossella is set to make a brief visit to the Big House, as he was sentenced to five days in prison for driving while intoxicated earlier this year. Of course, that hasn’t stopped him from appealing the sentence before a jury — as well as testing the waters for a 2010 comeback against Democrat Mike McMahon:
Retiring Rep. Vito Fossella (R-N.Y.) may be testing the waters for a re-entry into politics, with the first major bellwether coming at an event for supporters on Sunday.
Despite being sentenced on Monday to five days in jail for driving while intoxicated (DWI), Fossella will be holding a brunch for some 500 supporters in his Staten Island district this weekend.
He’s paying for an estimated $5,000 spread of coffee, bagels and juice out of his campaign funds. A bevy of Staten Island officials and longtime political supporters – including New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg – will be in attendance of what a confidant of Fossella’s called an indicator of his future political fortunes.
“The bottom line is how many people show up to his event,” said former Rep. Guy Molinari (R-N.Y.), a longtime Staten Island politico and close friend of Fossella’s. “If a lot of people show up, it would be an indication that he’s very popular and would be a formidable candidate.”
The only problem? Big names like Bloombleberry may be showing up for the “farewell” party, but the rank and file doesn’t seem particularly interested in Vito’s shindig.
Oh yeah, and here’s what SSP’s favorite punching bag, Bob Straniere, has to say:
“Republicans can still succeed selectively, but the congressional seat is now lost forever,” said Straniere.
Word.
when I thought he was through with politics, but now that this news has come up he certainly is fair game once again.
I am surprised, also, that 500 people bothered to show up at Vito’s little party. And how exactly does this guy plan to get enough support to get reelected? Even the guy who ran against McMahon now saids Staten Island is lost forever to the GOP.
Not to use racial stereotypes here, but is Fossella counting on the Mafia vote?
Why would he? Even if he somehow slithered back in 2010 dems are sure to make his life hell in 2012 come redistricting.