Rep. Fossella not a candidate -- for now

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Rep. Vito Fossella, R-N.Y., said Monday, despite rumors to the contrary, he's not considering backing out of his announced retirement.

He left the door open to changing his mind, though, saying in a statement he wasn't currently a candidate, The Hill reported.

"I am deeply humbled by the outpouring of support that I have received from people throughout the district through these difficult times, but I am not a candidate for Congress," Fossella said. "As I have stated before, my priorities are my family and serving the people of Staten Island and Brooklyn."

Fossella announced his retirement four months ago after a drunken driving arrest and revelations he fathered a child out of wedlock.

Local politicians and news outlets reported that a poll was being conducted to gauge support for a Fossella candidacy, the Washington publication reported.