Freshman Congressman Eric Massa, who represents the New York 29th Congressional District centered on Corning and Elmira, will not seek re-election. Rep. Massa was first elected in 2008 when he ousted Rep. Randy Kuhl by a 51 to 49 percent margin. According to Roll Call, Rep. Massa's decision to retire is health-based. Congressman Massa, who served in the US Navy for two decades, received a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma for which he underwent treatment. That cancer has apparently returned.

He serves on the Agriculture, Armed Services and Homeland Security committees. His departure is a loss for progressive Democrats. He was a staunch supporter of a single-payer health care system and was one of 39 House Democrats to vote against health care legislation because it didn't go far enough in extending coverage and in controlling costs.

Congressman Massa becomes the 15th Democrat to announce plans to leave the House at the end of this year. The upstate NY-29 is a GOP leaning district.

We wish the Congressman and his family well.