Growing calls for a special election to fill ex-Rep. Massa's seat

New York Republicans are pushing for Gov. David Paterson (D) to call a special election in the 29th district to fill the seat vacated by disgraced former Rep. Eric Massa (D).

Paterson has opted to leave the seat vacant since Massa resigned in March as opposed to calling a special election.

Republicans in the state Senate now say they’ll introduce a resolution calling on the governor to call a special election, according to the Albany Times Union.

A low-turnout special election could favor the GOP. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) carried the district in 2008, the same year Massa eked out a 5,000 vote margin of victory over Republican John Kuhl. 

Republican Tom Reed and Democrat Matthew Zeller are running for the seat.