Conversation so far:
Where was Vito Fossella's 1997 election?
What was Vito Fossella running for in 1997?
The election was for the Congressional seat being vacated by Representative Susan Molinari.
Did Vito Fossella win the 1997 election?
Fossella won the special election in November 1997, defeating Democratic Assemblyman Eric Vitaliano with 61 percent of the vote.
Who did Vito Fossella run against in 1997?
Fossella won the special election in November 1997, defeating Democratic Assemblyman Eric Vitaliano with 61 percent of the vote.

Question: What is significant about the election?
Self-contained rewrite: What is significant about the 1997 election for Vito Fossella?