Report: Fossella Gave Bonuses Before Bolting

Former Rep. Vito Fossella gave some staffers big pay hikes before leaving office.

The New York Post reported the findings Monday. They were based on information from LegiStorm, a Web site that crunches congressional numbers.

Fossella's Virginia arrest on a drunken-driving charge led to revelations he'd fathered a child during an affair. The Staten Island Republican chose not to seek re-election.

By the end of 2008, Fossella's staff dwindled from 16 full-time staffers to 11. Spending on salaries remained constant, funding bonuses for those who remained.

The report said an office manager promoted to chief of staff got an 80 percent pay boost. A legislative assistant's salary went up 123 percent.

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