Eric Massa (NY-29)

Eric Massa will lead the fight in protecting those who built this country; working families and middle class Americans.

A graduate of the US Naval Academy, Eric served 24 years on active duty in the Navy. He was deployed to the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm and the U.S. Marine intervention in Beirut. His capstone achievement, however, was serving as Special Assistant to General Wesley Clark, Supreme Allied Commander of NATO forces. His naval service was cut short when he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Eric beat the cancer and has been a strong advocate for universal health care ever since.

Eric was also a professional staff member to the House Armed Services Committee for the United States Congress. There, he expressed grave concerns to the Republican Party and wrote a dissenting document about the plans to invade Iraq. He also voiced dissent over the inadequate treatment of returning veterans. Eric officially left the Republican Party to go work for his former Commanding Officer and friend, Wes Clark in the 2004 Presidential race. Massa continues to be a strong advocate against the Iraq War and for responsible handling of the aftermath. Eric is also a strong advocate for equal pay in the work place.

Eric Massa lives in Corning, New York with his wife Beverley and their two children Justin and Alexandra.

Eric is challenging incumbent Republican Randy Kuhl who was first elected in 2004. Two polls released this week have Eric leading his opponent; the latest poll done by Roll Call had Massa beating Kuhl 51% to 44%. The New York Times wrote that this district is “as red as the blue state of New York gets.” However, the paper also notes that the Republican Party has stepped up efforts to defend this seat in response to Eric.  The New York Times declares that Massa is “an energetic campaigner with an electrifying speaking style.”

It is Democrats like Massa who will help change Washington and build the majority in Congress that President Obama will need.  You can help his campaign by contributing now. If you live near Eric and would like to help you can also sign up to volunteer and we will help connect with his campaign. The stakes are too high, the time is short – get involved today.