Politics

• May 6, 2008 7:44 pm US/Eastern
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  Problems Mounting For Embattled Fossella

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Problems Mounting For Embattled Fossella

Staten Island Congressman Called A Female Friend To Bail Him Out Following Wild Night And DWI Arrest

Tossed From D.C. Bar After Friend Passes Out, Gets Unruly

WASHINGTON (CBS) ― New details emerged Tuesday about Staten Island Congressman Vito Fossella's night on the town that ended with the politician in jail.

CBS 2 HD has learned a lot more about what allegedly happened in the bar.

The watering hole Logan's Tavern in Washington is the place where Rep. Fossella apparently spent a wild night before getting behind the wheel of a car.

"I made a huge mistake," Fossella said last Friday.

Mistake? New details reveal Fossella and a nearly blotto pal were asked to leave Logan's. Fossella could apparently stand, but his friend reportedly passed out twice and broke a table. That's when they got the heave-ho.

"I know a table was broken," said Logan's manager David Wildes said. "I don't know the circumstances."

After leaving the bar the Congressman was pulled over in Alexandria, Va., for drunk driving.

Fossella said he was on his way to visiting friends in Virginia, but that's another issue: Who were the friend? After he was nailed with a blood-alcohol level of .17 -- more than twice the legal limit – he was bailed out by a "friend," former Lt. Col. Laura Fay. She lives there.

CBS 2 HD tried to contact Fay, but was unsuccessful.

Maybe that's why Fossella's wife, Mary Patricia, looked so upset at the press conference last Friday. Upon entering, the two quickly separated. No kisses, hugs or friendly pats on the back for the Congressman.

"I take full responsibility and realize I've embarrassed my family," Fossella said.

By the way, instead of calling Fay the Congressman could have called his Chief of Staff, who reportedly lives in Alexandria.

Fossella could be facing even more problems. A spokesman for the House Ethics Committee tells CBS 2 HD that the committee has 30 days from the date of his arrest to decide whether to open a full investigation.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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