What's Vito Fossella Thinking?

Since it's congressional recess, we bring you another installment of "Where Are They Now," our occasional series on former (and usually disgraced) members of Congress.

New York political observers have wondered lately whether (yes, disgraced) former congressman Vito Fossella might be contemplating a comeback to public service.

Fossella sure has been looking the part of interested potential political candidate. In the past week or so, he has attended an area Lincoln Day Dinner, read to school children in his district - complete with a photo-op - and participated in the opening of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's campaign office.

Fossella, a married conservative from Staten Island whose early morning drunk driving arrest last year unraveled the secret of his mistress and love child and led to the demise of his political career, did not seek reelection because of his scandal.

He appealed his drunk driving conviction and is set to go to trial on April 13.

Just before he left the House late last year, Fossella said he had "no plans whatsoever" to run for office again. But Newsday reports the former congressman last week "seemed to sidestep a question" about whether he'd seek elective office again.

The Staten Island Advance, the hometown paper of Fossella and the man who replaced him in the House, Democratic Rep. Mike McMahon, points out it would be difficult for Fossella to get past the scandal that cost him his career as well as McMahon's apparent popularity in the largely Italian district.

Even if Fossella has thoughts in the back of his mind of trying to challenge McMahon, GOP Washington insiders don't seem keen on the idea. As one House Republican political strategist tells the Sleuth, "We're taking [Fossella] at his word."

Translation: he said he wouldn't run, and we pray he doesn't.