Freshman Democratic Representative Eric Massa whose resignation from Congress takes effect at the close of business today isn't going quietly out the door. Over the weekend on his weekly radio show on New York station WKPQ Power 105 FM, he accused the Democratic leadership of orchestrating a campaign against him for voting against the healthcare reform legislation last August. He had some particular harsh words for White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel offering up a vignette of a naked confrontation in the showers of the Congressional gym.

"Rahm Emanuel is son of the devil's spawn," Massa said. "He is an individual who would sell his mother to get a vote. He would strap his children to the front end of a steam locomotive."

Roll Call has the details surrounding the ethics complaint as recounted by the Congressman on his radio show.

Rep. Massa represents the NY-29 in upstate New York.

[UPDATE] Jerome Armstrong:

This is drama. Massa said this over the weekend:

“I’m not going to be a Congressman as of 5 o’clock [Monday] afternoon. The only way to stop that is for me to rescind my resignation. That’s the only way to stop it. And the only way that’s going to happen is if this becomes a national story.”

I think it has become a national story. I don't see why he should resign, sounds like its just beginning to get interesting for him. We'll know by 5.

After announcing his decision to retire at the end of his first term in Congress for reasons of health, progressive Democratic Congressman Eric Massa, who represents the New York 29th Congressional District, has come under a widening ethics cloud over allegations that he sexually harassed a male staffer. Today, he announced his resignation on his Congressional website (his letter of resignation is beneath the fold). The resignation is effective Monday at 5 PM and further complicates the prospects of passing a comprehensive healthcare reform package through the House.

The ethics investigation centers on a complaint by a male staffer of as yet unspecified sexual harassment charges. Congressman Massa, a 24-year veteran of the US Navy, admits to sometimes using "salty language."

Congressman Massa has served on the Agriculture, Armed Services and Homeland Security committees. 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.

The National Journal has the scoop on what happens next and the political environment in the GOP-leaning NY-29 Congressional District:

Massa's resignation doesn't necessarily mean there will be a special, as state law doesn't require that Gov. David Paterson (D) call one. If he does choose to declare a special, he'll have to issue a proclamation setting the date of the election. The election will then be held between 30-40 days from the date of that proclamation.

If there is a special election, it would be the fifth such contest between now and Nov. There will be a 4/13 contest to replace Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL), where Dems are strongly favored, and two May contested specials in HI and PA. Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA) plans to resign at the end of Mar., and a date has not yet been picked for an election to fill that heavily GOP seat.

Before the news of Massa's resignation hit today, candidates were already emerging for the open seat contest. The GOPer on the top of the party's wish list -- Monroe Co. Exec. Maggie Brooks (R) -- appears ready to make a decision within the week. If she doesn't run, there are a bevy of legislators ready to jump into the contest.

But Corning Mayor Tom Reed (R) has been in the race for months, and appears loathe to exit. (For more, check out our earlier coverage of the emerging GOP field)

On the Dem side, Massa's pick appears to be Hornell Mayor Shawn Hogan (D), but he has yet to decide on a bid. Assemb. David Koon (D), though, has told county chairs he'll run. And several other legislators are also taking a look at the contest.

A special would benefit GOPers, should Brooks -- with her considerable name ID in the CD's largest county -- get into the race. She should have the ability to raise a quick amount of money for the race as well. Reed has been a solid candidate, but his fundraising isn't particularly strong, and county chairs -- who would pick a nominee for a special election -- would surely favor Brooks over Reed.

Congressman Massa is one 16 Democratic members of the House who will not return for the 112th Congress.

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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.

That the Northeast has been trending blue in recent cycles is self evidently true. Will it continue in 2010?

Below the fold for all the details and hey go check out the <a href="http://wiki.opencongress.org/wiki/Project:RaceTracker">2010 Race Tracker Wiki over at Open Congress</a> for all your House, Senate and Gubernatorial needs.

(Cross posted at Daily Kos, Swing State Project and Open Left)

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The Northeast (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island & Vermont) has been sharply trending towards the Democratic party for some years now. Increasingly at a State and Federal level Republicans are finding it harder to get elected in the Northeast, be they conservatives or moderates, particularly in statewide races. And this years election seems certain to thin out their ranks even further.
We now have 7/9 Governors, 14/18 Senators and 51/65 House Districts!

Below the line for a look at the 14 GOP held House Races in the Northeast in 2008.

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