Syracuse, NY - A federal judge in Rochester is now considering whether to compel Gov. David Paterson to order an early special election to fill the seat of former U.S. Rep. Eric Massa.
U.S. District Judge David Larimer reserved decision after listening to legal arguments Tuesday afternoon. He indicated he would issue a written decision, according to Syracuse lawyer John Cirando.
Cirando is representing three Southern Tier residents who filed the lawsuit seeking to compel the governor to hold a special election to fill the seat in the 29th District. Paterson recently ordered a special election to be held on Election Day, but Cirando contends that still unfairly leaves the residents of the district without congressional representation for too long.
Massa, a Democrat, resigned in March after a male aide accused him of sexual harassment. Massa initially cited his health as the reason for his resignation, then claimed party leaders forced him out due to his opposition to health care reform and then admitted tickling the aide at a birthday party.
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