Massa Shocks Washington With Announcement He Will Not Run

Rep. Eric Massa (D-N.Y.) will not seek reelection after only one term in office. Massa represents the 29th congressional district.

In a statement Massa said he will not seek re-election because of a return of cancer which was discovered in December. Massa said his decision not to run again is strictly health-related and he lashed out at the media saying the rumors current in some media is "typical" of what's wrong with Washington.  

Massa revealed he was hospitalized in December for his third major health scare but kept that hospitalization was kept secret. "I'm making this announcement early so that others may consider a run if they choose to do so," he said.

POLITICO. COM says that according to several House aides – on both sides of the aisle – the House Ethics Committee has been informed of allegations that Massa, who is married with two children, sexually harassed a male staffer. 

Asked about the sexual harassment allegations, Massa said he has used "salty language" in front of staffers and has apologized for his words. On the allegations that his decision is based on ethics violations, Massa said that whenever someone leaves Congress," everybody says everything. I have health issues."

The 29th Congressional District is a very large district and covers much of the Southern Tier, including Corning and Elmira, Hornell and parts or all of the Monroe County towns of Brighton, Pittsford, Chili, Gates, Henrietta, Mendon, Penfield, Perinton and Rush.

Massa ran twice for Congress--both times against former Congressman Randy Kuhl (R-Hammondsport---losing the first time and then winning by a narrow margin two years ago.

His departure from the scene could shake up Republican Tom Reed's plans to replace him.(See the following stories)