Former Rep. Vito Fossella sent an e-mail today asking fellow Staten Islanders to join him for a “peaceful gathering… to speak out on the proposed mosque to be built near Ground Zero.”

Also on hand will be a number of Republican elected officials who represent pieces of Fossella’s old district, NY-13, including Rep. Peter King, Sen. Andrew Lanza, Assemblyman Louis Tobacco, and NYC Council Minority Leader James Oddo.

“Staten Island lost more sons and daughters on that day than any other community,” Fossella wrote.

“It has been our solemn duty, responsibility, and frankly a privilege to honor the memory for those who lost their life nearly 9 years ago. We must continue to honor those memories and to never forget them.”

Recently there have been efforts made to construct a mosque near Ground Zero. This proposal has met with tremendous opposition, not only throughout New York City, but across the country as well. We believe that this is not the right location. Just because something may be permitted, does not mean that it’s the right thing to do.”

“So let’s gather this Sunday and speak, which is our right and the right thing to do to continue to honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.”

Fossella has been flirting with a comeback for some time – basically ever since he took a pass on seeking re-election following his drunk driving/out-of-wedlock child scandal – and was even endorsed by the local GOP to run this year, but then decided against it.

Instead, two lesser known Republicans – Michael Grimm and Michael Allegretti – are duking it out in a primary to face Fossella’s Democratic successor, Mike McMahon (who has come out in favor of relocating the mosque) in November.

The intra-party battle has dramatically reduced the GOP’s chances of taking back a seat against a Democrat who was once viewed as vulnerable, particularly after he was abandoned by the WFP and SEIU 1199 for voting “no” on health care reform.

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