Congressman charged with DWI outside D.C.

McLEAN, Va. - A Republican congressman representing New York Citywas arrested outside Washington and charged with driving whileintoxicated, police said.

Vito J. Fossella, who represents Staten Island and parts ofBrooklyn, was arrested Thursday some time between midnight and 2a.m., said Lt. Ray Hazel, spokesman for the Alexandria PoliceDepartment.

He was charged with driving while intoxicated as a first offense,Hazel said, which under Virginia law requires a blood-alcohol levelof 0.08 percent or higher.

In a statement, Fossella apologized for his conduct.

"Last night I made an error in judgment," Fossella said. "As aparent, I know that taking even one drink of alcohol before gettingbehind the wheel of a car is wrong. I apologize to my family and theconstituents of the 13th Congressional District for embarrassingthem, as well as myself."

Hazel said he could provide no further details on the arrest,including Fossella's exact blood-alcohol level.

or where in the city he was arrested.

Fossella, 43, is the lone Republican member of the New York Citycongressional delegation.

He faced a surprisingly strong re-election challenge in 2006 andis bracing for a similar fight this year. His candidacy has drawnthe support from national Republican leadership in recent weeks,including Vice President Dick Cheney.