Hammondsport, NY --- Former Congressman Randy Kuhl called himself a “potential candidate” for N.Y.’s 29th Congressional District seat Saturday. Kuhl held this seat from 2005 through 2008 before losing 51-49 in a rematch election with Democrat Eric Massa.
Rep. Massa issued a statement Friday stating that he would resign his Congressional seat over health concerns and an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation. That resignation is set to take effect Monday, March 8th at 5 p.m.
Kuhl said in phone interview that he’s hearing from many constituents and party officials and they’re encouraging him to attempt a comeback. In a slight slip of the tongue he said, “I am a candidate, a potential candidate I should say for a special election or for even a primary in the fall and particularly the general election."
Kuhl spoke fondly of Republican Tom Reed, the former Corning Mayor who is already a candidate for this seat, and of Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks who is also rumored to be interested in a potential run at this seat. At the same time Kuhl said he has a few things other candidates don’t in that he’s held this post before and could “walk on to the floor of Congress” and know exactly what to do.
Kuhl, who is currently in Florida with family members, tells 13WHAM News that he plans to return to the district in the next few days and come to a final decision about a political return shortly.
Click on the video box to the upper right to hear my entire phone conversation with former Congressman Randy Kuhl.
