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The case is growing that on a national level the GOP is facing a collapse in 2008. Close on the heels of the Congressional special election loss of a historically consistent GOP seat in Mississippi (and two others) yet another veteran GOP house member has dropped out of his re-election race under scandalous circumstances.

A full explanation of the case of Rep. Vito Fossella (R-N.Y.) is provided by the Hill's Jackie Kucinich in the extended text.

This is more than a corrective swing in the political climate. The radicalization of the GOP has depleted their candidate pipeline of all but the most marginal of fringe characters. Add to this the repeat scandals of GOP incumbents and the result is brand failure.

The retail/consumerism obsessed American populace is arguably on the verge of abandoning the GOP label. Precise issues and programs may not lead the reasons, but a failure in basic values and trust appears to be the key to independents and other voting groups casting their ballots for Democrats in even deeply red districts.

Sources: Rep. Fossella will not seek reelection
By Jackie Kucinich
Posted: 05/19/08 10:43 PM [ET]
Rep. Vito Fossella (R-N.Y.) is expected to announce this week that he will not seek reelection, according to two sources.
The announcement could come as early as Tuesday but is expected before Congress adjourns for its Memorial Day recess at the end of this week.


It is unclear if Fossella will finish out his term or opt to resign before the end of the 110th Congress. One source said he will complete his sixth term.

Fossella was arrested earlier this month for driving under the influence of alcohol and subsequently admitted to having an affair and fathering a child out of wedlock.

House GOP leaders have been pressuring Fossella to step down. He would be the 30th House Republican to retire this cycle.

A spokesperson for the New York lawmaker could not be immediately reached for comment.

On Monday, a government watchdog group filed an ethics complaint against Fossella. In its letter to the House ethics committee, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington called for an investigation into whether the lawmaker violated House rules.



After The Hill posted its story, several news outlets reported that Fossella would not seek reelection. The following is the text of a letter that Fossella released to his hometown newspaper, The Staten Island Advance, Monday night:

To the Constituents of the 13th Congressional District:

After a great deal of consideration, I have made the decision not to seek re-election to the United States House of Representatives this November. This choice was an extremely difficult one, balanced between my dedication to service to our great nation and the need to concentrate on healing the wounds that I have caused to my wife and family.

For over 10 years, I have had the distinct privilege of representing the people of Staten Island and Brooklyn. I have been humbled by their support and honored to represent them in Congress. Over the years, we have achieved many great things that have helped make our community and this country a better place to live - from closing the Fresh Kills Landfill, to saving Fort Hamilton, to helping New York cope with the pain and recover from the 9/11 attacks. I am extremely proud of these and other achievements and the fact that our work has made a positive difference in the lives of so many people.

It is for this reason that I will continue to serve you and our community for the duration of my term, which will expire on January 3, 2009.

Despite the personal mistakes I have made, I am touched by the outpouring of support and encouragement I have received from so many people. Their kind words and prayers during this difficult time mean more to me than I can express. And while many have urged me to run for
re-election, I believe this course of action is best for my family and our community.

Representing the people of Staten Island and Brooklyn has been the most rewarding professional experience of my life. I am forever grateful to all those I have had the honor to serve.
Sincerely

Vito J. Fossella, Member of Congress