Massa Finally Declares Win Over Rep. Kuhl

Rep. Randy Kuhl (R-N.Y.) conceded his race to Democrat Eric Massa on Friday.

Though the Associated Press had called Massa the winner on Election Night, after the Democrat’s lead had reached about 4,400 votes, Massa himself refused to declare victory until the absentee votes had been counted. Massa’s campaign said that he ended up winning by than 5,000 votes.

Kuhl said that he called Massa to congratulate him.

“This race was a close and tough battle to the end, and today I urge all of my supporters to give Congressman-elect Eric Massa the support and encouragement that he will need to carry out the great tasks that he will face in the 111th Congress,” Kuhl said in a release. “This country is facing an uphill battle. Our economy faces historic and unprecedented challenges, and we must unite to find the solutions that our country needs.”

Massa planned to celebrate his victory at a rally Friday in the Western New York town of Pittsford. In a statement, Massa thanked Kuhl for serving the district honorably.

“To maintain the high level of constituent services that our citizens deserve, I look forward to working with Congressman Kuhl during this transition,” he said. “I believe it is important that we work together in this time to continue serving the voters of this district.”