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Updated 03/10/2010 08:36 AM

Former Congressman Eric Massa fights back on national television

By: Vince Slomsky

Former Congressman Eric Massa continues to appear in the spotlight more than a day after he officially resigned. After first announcing he would not seek reelection, he resigned last week amid a sexual harassment investigation. From there the story has spiraled out of control.

Former Congressman Eric Massa fights back on national television
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- WKPQ radio Sunday morning Eric Massa said, "Our government is broken beyond repair and now they're going to pass this health care bill and the only way to stop it is get this story on Fox News."

He got his wish, and not only on Fox News, but CNN, and ABC's "The View". His resignation and more importantly his story, is making headlines across the nation, but perhaps not for the reasons he intended.

Just two days ago he made claims on a local radio show that Democratic leaders forced him out of office because of his stance on the health care bill. Tuesday, his tone changed.

"I wasn't forced out. I forced myself out. I failed. I didn't live up to my own codes. I own this," said Massa on Fox News' Glenn Beck show.

And then there's the ethics investigation where a male staffer claims Massa sexually harassed him while in office. The former Congressman offered two very different responses just hours apart.

"Now they're saying I groped a male staffer. Yeah, I did. Not only did I grope him I tickled him until he couldn't breathe and then four guys jumped on top of me. It was my 50th birthday," he said on the Glenn Beck show.

"I never admitted groping. Someone was sticking a microphone in my face walking down the street," he said just hours later on CNN's Larry King Live.

But one thing he does maintain is that none of the groping was ever sexual.

It's a story that continues to build momentum with more twists and turns added daily. But if we can believe Massa, this may be the end of it.

"I want to do this interview, one more, and then go away. I don't want to change the world, I'm not campaigning for reelection," he said.

Massa says he now just wants to move on with his life with his family, and he's done battling.

"For 30 years I've been doing it. I can't fight this. I can't fight cancer. I can't fight the white house. I can't fight the Democratic Party. I can't fight the Republicans. I can't fight anymore," he said.

Now we'll have to wait and see if this really is the end. Governor Paterson is leaning toward calling for a special election for the vacant seat. The term itself is up in November.

Both parties are looking at possible candidates for the position.