Progressive Buttons Blog

It doesn’t take a genius to see that Republican Congressman Vito Fossella is damaged goods, politically. Drunken driving, sexual infidelity, and lies don’t give voters a positive impression - even though Vito Fossella’s offenses are personal, not a matter of his public work. It’s sad that voters tend to pay more attention to personal failings than the work their representatives do on their behalf in government.

Politically, Vito Fossella ought to be judged according to his actions in Congress, not according to his private actions during his time away from his job. That’s just the approach that has been taken by Steve Harrison, a Democrat challenging Fossella for New York’s 13th district seat in the House of Representatives.

“I wish only the best to his family in this time of personal crisis and hope they can see themselves through to a better moment.

The Congressman indicates that politics is the last thing on his mind right now. While I understand that on a human level, the simple fact is that over the next six months, with a looming election, he will have to juggle his congressional duties, the campaign and his personal responsibilities. Only he can decide if he can properly represent the people of this district during this time. He must carefully weigh all his options including resignation or not running again.

If he decides to run, the people will decide in November if his recent behavior and revelations should disqualify him from continuing in office.

There are great issues to be debated in this campaign - the War in Iraq, healthcare, the economy, the environment and energy, just to name a few. It is now my intention to get past this distraction and return to those issues.”

Steve Harrison offers a more mature, steady approach to government than has been offered by Vito Fossella. Voters in New York’s 13th congressional district would do well to consider giving him their support.

Thus, supporters wear this political button for Steve Harrison, which features the kicking Democratic Party mule, but with traditional patriotic American colors.