Even though the votes are still being counted, Democrat Eric Massa is acting as though he’s already won the race for the 29th Congressional District.

Massa took a break Wednesday from the Congressional Fresh-man Orientation to meet with New York Gov. David Paterson, Majority Leader Malcolm Smith, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and other members of the New York Congressional delegation.

Although Massa holds a lead of more than 5,000 votes over incumbent U.S. Rep. John R. “Randy” Kuhl Jr., R-Hammondsport, some absentee ballots are still being counted and the results are not yet official.

Since election night, Massa has maintained he wants every vote counted. Election officials have said they expect a final tally by the end of this week.

News outlets like CNN and the Associated Press called the race in favor of Massa on election night.

In the meeting with state lawmakers, Massa discussed how the federal government must work with the state government to address the budget crisis facing New York.

“Now that the elections are over, it’s time to start fixing the problems facing our state and our nation,” Massa said. “While participating in congressional orientation is important, I and the other newly elected members believe that we must start now to solve the critical issues that Governor Paterson and other state leaders have highlighted for us. Our state and federal officials are ready to usher in a new era of cooperation across party lines to ensure that New York’s schools, hospitals and other critical programs are fully funded.”

Massa said he will fight with the rest of the New York delegation to ensure New York gets its fair share of federal tax dollars.

Source: The Leader