Former Politician Makes Bid for Fossella's Seat

Robert Straniere, a Staten Island politician who spent 24 years in the state assembly before losing re-election, is making a bid for Vito Fossella's congressional seat.

Mr. Straniere said his candidacy is an effort to save New York's City's last Republican voice in the House of Representatives. Mr. Fossella announced he would not run for re-election after he was arrested for driving while intoxicated and acknowledged that he fathered a child following an extramarital affair. Frank Powers, who Republicans had tapped to succeed him, died of a heart attack last month.

"I really had retired from being active in partisan politics, but I feel that this is a call of duty on under the circumstances," Mr. Straniere said. "It's absolutely essential that there be a Republican congressman from our city."

After he was defeated by a Republican in a 2004 upset, Mr. Straniere left Albany and opened a hot dog restaurant on Chambers Street.

Mr. Straniere's immediate goal is to gather the 1,250 signatures he needs to get on the ballot by July 10th.

"This is not a marathon, this is a sprint," Mr. Straniere said. "It's hot, and it's vacation time, and it's not easy."