Rep. Eric Massa (D-N.Y.) — whose 29th District abuts a small piece of the western border of Ithaca’s 22nd District — told media yesterday that he will retire from Congress after this term. Massa cited the need to slow down after the return of his long battle with cancer as the reason for not seeking reelection. He has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma since his days in the military, according to The Hill.
Massa’s announcement comes amidst controversy following the release of a report stating that he has been accused of sexual harassment by one of his junior male aides, according to the website Politico. The freshman representative has acknowledged that he sometimes uses aggressive language, but referred to any rumors about his sexual harrassment as simply that.
“Do I or have I ever used salty language when I’m angry, especially in the privacy of my inner office or even at home? Yes, I have, and I have apologized to those where it’s appropriate,” Massa said in a press conference with the media yesterday afternoon, according to Politico. “But those kinds of articles, unsubstantiated, without fact or backing, are a symptom of what’s wrong with this city.”
Original Author: Sun Staff