A day after Congressman Eric Massa announced that he was stepping down, a long list of candidates hoping to replace him is already taking shape.

The most likely scenario is that the governor will call a special election, which could happen as early as the next six weeks. That's too soon to hold a primary, so party chairmen from each of the eight counties in the 29th Congressional District will get together and vote.

Ontario County Republican Chairman Jay Dutcher has an important decision to make. Dutcher is one of seven county Republican Party chairmen in the 29th Congressional District. He is preparing to pick a candidate for a potential special election.

"Well, it's a pretty straight forward process," said Dutcher.

The 29th Congressional District includes parts of Monroe, Ontario, and six other counties to the south.

"Most of the constituents are in the Southern Tier," said Dutcher.

The party chairmen's votes are weighted based on the last gubernatorial election. It's a breakdown that appears to favor one candidate.

“Right now, the information is that seven out of the eight counties in the 29th Congressional District are going to back Tom Reed as the Republican candidate," said Bill Nojay, radio talk show host.

The former Corning mayor announced his candidacy in July, but Monroe County GOP Chair Bill Reilich is asking his peers to reconsider.

"Fifty-two percent of the district is reached by the Monroe County media, so 52 percent of the district knows who Maggie is," said Reilich.

Reilich met Saturday with Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks to discuss a possible run. With Monroe County representing 39 percent of the vote, she'll need some help.

"No, I don't think I'll feel pressure because I'm not subject to pressure really," said Dutcher.

If Dutcher were to team up with Reilich, Reed's grip on the nomination could be flipped. Dutcher says that's not likely.

"I know Maggie and I know Tom, and I think Tom is a very strong candidate for this position," said Dutcher.

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks is expected to address her political future on Monday.

Former Congressman Randy Kuhl, who held the seat before losing to Massa in 2008, and State Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb are also considered candidates on the Republican side.

Kolb said at this point that he's got enough work to do.

"I've had a lot of calls to really encourage me to run, but really I’ve said to everyone that's called that it's very flattering, but my focus is really on the budget, and we have a lot of work to do in New York State," said Kolb.

Monroe County Democratic Chairman Joe Morelle confirms he has approached District Attorney Mike Green about running for the 29th Congressional seat.

There is no response from Green as to whether he's interested.

Other names on the Democratic side include Hornell Mayor Shawn Hogan, former Bausch and Lomb executive David Nachbar, and Brighton Town Supervisor Sandra Frankel.

Two members of the New York State Assembly are also on the list: Barbara Lifton of the 125th District and David Koon of the 135th District.

Massa, a Democrat, issued a statement on his Web site saying he is resigning effective Monday at 5 p.m.

The freshman Congressman from Corning cites a house ethics panel investigation as the reason for his resignation.

In an online statement Massa said, "There is no doubt that this ethics thing is my fault and mine alone....God knows that I am a deeply flawed and imperfect person."

The statement goes onto say that he resigns "with a profound sense of failure and a deep apology to all those whom, for the past year, I tried to represent as our nation struggles with problems far greater than anyone can possibly imagine. I hope that my family, constituents, and fellow Members of Congress can accept this apology as being both genuine and heartfelt and I wish for them and all Americans only the best."

Earlier this week, Massa had announced he would not seek re-election due to health concerns, which he also addresses in the statement.

To read Congressman Massa's resignation statement in full, go to his Web site:Congressman Eric Massa.