Because former Rep. Erica Massa claims he didn’t even know he was being investigated by the House Ethics Committee, he claimed he only recently found out what the harassment allegations entailed. But perhaps he should’ve known sooner, since he’s reportedly been under investigation for groping male staffers for years.
In a bludgeoning WaPo report that’s sure to expand, Carol D. Leonnig says, “The allegations surrounding the New York Democrat date back at least a year, and involve ‘a pattern of behavior and physical harassment,’ according to one source. The new claims of alleged groping contradict statements by Massa, who resigned his office on Monday after it became public that he was the subject of a House ethics committee investigation for possible harassment. Massa had said that the allegations were limited to his use of ‘salty language’ with his staff. … According to two sources familiar with the probe, Massa’s former deputy chief of staff Ron Hikel provided the information about the staffers’ allegations to the House ethics committee three weeks ago. Hikel had earlier sought advice from Majority Leader Steny Hoyer’s office about brewing internal complaints, the sources said, and had been urged to report the allegations to the committee.”
Perhaps his 24-hour turn as a conservative media hero is about to end.
UPDATE: Massa admits he groped a male staffer but insists it wasn’t sexual.
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EARLIER: Rep. Eric Massa Wanted to Be ‘Frakking’ His Male Staffer
EARLIER: How Disgraced Rep. Eric Massa Knows How Big Rahm Emanuel’s Penis Is
Cam
This is what happens in Congress, the leadership protects them, until they don’t. This is why people like John Edwards, Senator PAckwood, etc… think they can get away with doing whatever they want. They HAVE gotten away with it for years. Look at Larry Craig, and Mark Foley…they had been doing what they did for years. Look at when Rep Kennedy smashed his car and was drunk. He got a ride home and no report filed until somebody else broke the story in the mainstream news. the business of congress is all about protecting their own.
David Ehrenstein
@Cam: You got it Cam!
Lukas P.
His new business will be called “Eric’s MASSAge Hut.” Coupons will be handed out for “Free prostate massage with happy ending.”
He he has to have a career after politics, right?
MissTransSylvaniaTV
So Democrats are just as hypocritical. We need a third party in this country! Throw all these bums out!!!
christopher di spirito
I watched Eric Massa’s trainwreck appearance on Glenn Beck’s show yesterday and I came away with the impression of a middle-aged man, on the “DL,” and struggling with his sexual orientation.
Nanny Pelosi had no business calling Massa a “sick person” on Charlie Rose’s show last night. I know she has her nose firmly up Rahm Emanuel’s rectum but if Massa is struggling with his sexuality and I think he is, comments like this from Pelosi don’t help him.
You're Wrong about our friend Nancy
@christopher di spirito:
Pelosi’s comment referred to Massa’s cancer reappearing recently, and she said that this may be affecting his judgment.
Rahm's rectum?
@christopher di spirito:
Why bring Rahm Emanuel’s rectum into this? The story already is full of titillation.
Lance Rockland
Eric honey, come out of the closet. We all know you’re a big homo.
To quote Madonna: “Express yourself, don’t repress yourself.”