NY-29

Former GOP Rep. Randy Kuhl Won't Run For Massa's House Seat

Eric Kleefeld | March 10, 2010, 4:49PM

Former Rep. Randy Kuhl (R-NY)

Former Rep. Randy Kuhl (R-NY), who was narrowly defeated for re-election 2008 by Democrat Eric Massa, has announced that he will not run for the seat after Massa's resignation over sexual harassment allegations. This clears the way for Corning Mayor Tom Reed to receive the Republican nomination.

"Over the last week, I have heard from hundreds of my former constituents urging me to run for my old congressional seat. Their emotional plea to me was humbling and most appreciative," Kuhl said in a statement. "But, after careful consideration, I have decided to forego a run for Congress. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me during my 28 years of public service. I look forward to helping the 29th District in any way that I can and I urge my neighbors and friends to support Tom Reed for this congressional seat."

NY-29

Massa Retirement Creates Big Opening In GOP-Leaning District

Eric Kleefeld | March 4, 2010, 11:35AM

Rep. Eric Massa (D-NY)

The sudden retirement of Rep. Eric Massa (D-NY) has created a clear weakness for Democrats, in holding on to a seat that was narrowly carried by John McCain in 2008. The first order of business: Finding a new Democratic candidate.

A Democratic source said that it is far too sudden and early to definitively name new Democratic candidates, but with that caveat some possible names are state Rep. Barbara Lifton, state Rep. David Koon, state Rep. Susan John, Canandaigua Mayor Ellen Polimeni, and Hornell Mayor Shawn Hogan. The source acknowledged that this is a "tough district" for Democrats, but argued that it's too early to assess the state of the race.

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