Rep. Vito J. Fossella (R-NY) admitted Thursday that he had an extramarital affair with Laura Fay that led to a child out of wedlock.
Fossella, a Staten Island Republican, acknowledged affair with Laura Fay, a former Air Force lieutenant colonel, and that the two of them have a 3-year-old daughter together.
Fossella was arrested on May 1 in Alexandria, Va., and charged with drunken driving. Due to the charge, Fossella could face a mandatory jail sentence if convicted and it could threaten to bring to an end his decade-long career in the House, where he is the only Republican representing New York City.
"I have had a relationship with Laura Fay, with whom I have a three-year-old daughter," said Fossella. "My personal failings and imperfections have caused enormous pain to the people I love and I am truly sorry. 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. 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."
Fossella, 43, was driving with a blood-alcohol level more than twice the legal limit when he was pulled over. He faces a mandatory five days in jail if convicted. The House ethics committee also could open an investigation into the matter.
Fossella did not mention whether he would seek re-election or not during his announcement.
Fossella and his wife, Mary Pat, married in 1990. They have two sons and a daughter. On Wednesday, Fossella attended a confirmation ceremony for his oldest child, Dylan.
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