Massa Exits Stage Left

Last week, Congressman Eric Massa announced he would not be a candidate for re-election this year due to health concerns. There are other accusations flying around but I have no intention of bringing them up here. Shortly after the announcement, Massa decided he was going to leave Congress altogether and is planning on resigning on Monday. Massa’s exit creates an open congressional seat. Given this vacancy, Governor Paterson has two ways of reacting. He could either chose for it to remain vacant and allow the currently scheduled election to run its course, or he could call a special election, which would cover the last few months of the unexpired term.

Regardless of the decision the Governor makes, we are likely to see more candidates enter the race. Republican Tom Reed, former Mayor of Corning has been running since last year and was likely to ultimately be the Republican candidate. Massa’s exit shakes things up. Now on the Republican side, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks and former Congressman Randy Kuhl (who lost to Massa in 2008), may join the fray. For the Democrats, Hornell Mayor Shawn Hogan, who is also the Chairman of the Steuben County Democrats, is Massa’s choice to replace him. Also thinking about joining the race are Assemblyman David Koon, Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton and Monroe County District Attorney Michael Green. I’ll try to keep you updated.