Massa calls resignation a conspiracy

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WIVB) - First we heard he was resigning because of cancer, then it was an ethics probe over harassment allegations from a male staffer.

Now, former southern tier congressman Eric Massa says fellow democrats forced him out, over health care.

A democratic conspiracy, that is what Eric Massa is now calling his resignation. He says he was forced to do it, set up by Washington democrats for not voting for the health care reform bill back in November.

Massa said in a statement, "In that investigators would be free to ask anything about me going back to my birth, I simply cannot rise to that level or perfection. God knows that I am a deeply flawed and imperfect person."

He believes he was targeted. The former Congressman who lost to Massa two years ago agrees.

"Why did this all meltdown happen so quickly and the reason I believe is to eliminate a potential embarrassment to the democrat majority," said Randy Kuhl.

Randy Kuhl is one of four potential candidates who could fill the 29th district seat now vacated by democrat Eric Massa. Only one, David Koon is a democrat. A republican would certainly impact passing health care reform in Washington.

"With Eric Massa's resignation, the majority number needed would drop to 216," said Kuhl.

"Whoever comes in, what we need to be focused on is how can we help western New York," said Congressman Chris Lee, R, Clarence.

He wouldn't talk about Massa's resignation, but said it could bode well for his party.

"I think it is an opportunity to pick up that seat," Lee said.