Massa speaks/Kuhl reax (updated)

In his first statement since the election, Eric Massa reaffirms that he will hold out until absentee ballots are counted before he concedes. Kuhl is ahead by about 6,400 votes, but there are 10,000 absentee ballots to be counted, according to the Massa campaign. (Massa would have nearly sweep those votes to win.) Here are some excerpts from his statement:

"This is not about Eric Massa and Randy Kuhl," he said. "This is about the 10,000 people who voted by absentee ballot, who chose to exercise their right to vote, and who deserve to have their voices heard."

"This is about the integrity of the democratic process," said Massa. "I believe the voters of this district understand the importance of counting each vote and won't mind waiting a few extra days to make sure that happens."

And what's next?

"Until this election has been certified, it would be premature to talk about what happens next election," Massa said. "Regardless, I intend to keep working to improve the lives of people here in the 29th District, fighting on behalf of our veterans, and staying actively involved in my community."

"One thing hasn't changed," he went on, "I still love my home and want to do everything I can to make this District, and this country, a better place."

UPDATE: Here's a statement in response from Kuhl's camp, via spokesperson Bob Van Wicklin:

"We're not surprised by our opponent's refusal to concede but we are a bit disappointed. Absentee votes won't differ much from the election night results, certainly not enough to change the outcome. The voters have spoken and it's time to move on. "

--- Krestia DeGeorge