"I'm relieved Vito Fossella finally made a decision. I believe he made the obvious one. I hope he and his family find peace in the near future and I ask Mr. Fossella to represent us well during the remainder of his term.

"I now turn my attention back to the issues facing the people of the district and America, like Iraq, healthcare, energy, the environment and, of course the economy. Many in the district have suffered foreclosures and lost jobs. I look forward to debating these issues with the Republican candidate, no matter who that may be. I have not been running against Vito Fossella. I have been running for Congress and I will continue to do so."