Massa Quits Race Amid Harass Rumors

UPSTATE REP. Eric Massa suddenly dropped his reelection bid yesterday, citing health concerns, as allegations surfaced that he sexually harassed a male staffer.
Massa, a 20-year veteran of the Navy, vehemently denied charges reported by Politico and leaked to the Daily News by sources on both sides of the political aisle.
Massa, a Democrat, said he’s retiring because of a recurrence of cancer, which he had beaten before. He implied if there was harassment, it was verbal, not physical.
“Do I or have I ever used salty language when I’m angry?” he said. “Yes, I have, and I have apologized to those where it’s appropriate.”
Politico, citing House aides, said the married father of two allegedly made unwanted advances toward a junior male staffer.

Read more: (Elizabeth Benjamin and Michael McAuliff, “Upstate Rep. Quits Race Amid Harass Rumors,” New York Daily News, 03/04/10)