Former Rep. Vito Fossella has issued one of those infamous “not yes, not no” statements in response to his endorsement last night by the Staten Island GOP to run for his old congressional seat in NY-13.

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Here’s Fossella’s official statement, released by Dave Catalfamo, who is apparently helping the former congressman out with his press these days:

“I am surprised and deeply humbled by the efforts last night to advance me as a candidate for the 13th Congressional District, a seat I was honored to hold for almost twelve years. ”

“Given my deep and abiding respect for the hardworking people of Staten Island and Brooklyn and my firm belief that our country is headed in the wrong direction, I am going to take a short period of time to properly consider this matter with loved ones, friends and supporters.”

No word on whether “a short period of time” means weeks or days, but petition season is right around the corner.

Given how closely connected Fossella and his operation (what’s left of it, anyway) is to the Staten Island Republican Party, it’s pretty much a foregone conclusion that he was well aware Chairman John Friscia was going to put his name up for nomination at last night’s convention.

However, Fossella has not yet opened a campaign committee or started putting the pieces in place for a formal comeback (a lot of his old staffers have long since moved on, so it’s unclear who would work for him at this point).

A source close to Fossella said the ex-lawmaker is enjoying life in the private sector, which includes working at a financial firm and doing a fair amount of commentary on issues like the 9/11 terror trials and health care reform. Today, Fossella is celebrating his son’s confirmation.

All that said, the former congressman feels “a sense of obligation to fully consider the race and what it means to the future of our community and the nation,” the source said.

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