Massa to resign from office

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By The LeaderU.S. Rep. Eric Massa, D-Corning, announced Friday that he is resigning from office.
By Joe Dunning
Corning Leader
Fri Mar 05, 2010, 03:51 PM EST

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Corning, N.Y. -
Embattled U.S. Rep. Eric Massa announced Friday afternoon that he will resign from office effective Monday.

Massa, 50, notified his Washington and campaign staff from his home in Corning that he was leaving office, citing a reocurrance of cancer and allegations filed against him with the House Ethics Committee.

Massa admitted in his statement that he had used inappropriate language in front of staff both in his home and in his office.

"There is no doubt in my mind I have used improper language," he said. "It's my fault and I can't blame anyone but myself."

Massa said he learned of the allegations made by a member of his staff on Thursday by reading Internet news sources. He said he does not know the identity of the staff member, when the incident happened or what was said.

"I can't subject my family and staff to a full investigation," Massa said. "It would tear us apart ... It's not that I can fight or beat these allegations, I'm guilty."

Had the Ethics Committee conducted an investigation and found evidence against Massa, he could have faced a range of penalties from censure to expulsion.

His seat will either be filled by a special election or left vacant until November's election. That decision will be made by Gov. David Paterson.

Massa's announcement comes just two days after he announced he would not seek a second term representing the 29th Congressional District.