Massa Denies Rumors as He Announces Retirement

Washingont, D.C. – Congressman Eric Massa says health concerns will prevent him from running for re-election. In a statement Wednesday afternoon, he denied rumors that he sexually harrassed a male staffer.

Massa said he was hospitalized in December with a cancer scare, and his doctors have told him to slow down. He was treated for non-hodgkins lymphoma in 1996.

In addressing reports today that he was being investigated for allegedly sexually harrassing a male staffer, Massa said, "Do I or have I ever used salty language when I'm angry, especially in the privacy of my inner office or when at home? Yes, I have, and I have apologized to those where it's appropriate. But those kinds of articles, unsubstantiated without fact or backing are a symptom of what's wrong with this city."

Massa narrowly beat incumbent Republican Randy Kuhl in the 2008 race for the New York's 29th Congressional District.

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks, a prominent Republican, released a statement saying she is considering making a run for the seat. Former Corning Mayor Tom Reed is already campaigning for the Republican nomination.

Massa has urged fellow Democrat and Hornell Mayor Shawn Hogan to run for the seat according to the Elmira Star-Gazette.