Congressman Massa to step down

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Just three days ago, he said he would not run for re-election this fall because of health problems.

Now, southern tier Congressman Eric Massa said he's stepping down next week amid accusations of harassment.

Citing his battle with cancer and a potential House ethics investigation, Congressman Eric Massa explained he will resign Monday.

A male staffer claims the 50-year-old Democrat sexually harassed him.

Massa admits to using inappropriate language but doesn't get anymore specific, saying, "My difficulties are of my own making. Period. I am also aware that blogs and radio will have a field day with this in today's destructive and unforgiving political environment."

Where does it leave Congress?

"It'll be one less yes vote for, let's say, healthcare," said Canisius college professor, Dr. Michael Haselwerdt.

Dr. Michael Haselswerdt said the Governor will most likely call a special election, that probably would take place around mid April.

This district stretches from Massa hometown of Corning and stretches all the way to include Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties.

Dr. Haselswerdt stated, "Well, I think that district will go back to being a Republican district. It was a Republican district before."

In fact, the last Republican to hold the seat, Randy Kuhl is considering running again.

This comes at the same time Governor Paterson is fighting for his political life, and another New York Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel was forced to give up his ways and means chairmanship, over an ethics violation.

There are at least four other House Democrats facing ethics probes.

House speaker, Nancy Pelosi had no comment on the Massa situation.

"You know what? This is rumor city. Every single day there are rumors. I have a job to do," she exclaimed.

"One of the strategies used to be that when something went bad, you'd disappear for awhile and there's just no way to disappear now," Dr. Haselswerdt said. "Advances in technology have made it much more difficult."