CORNING -- Democrat Eric Massa, who nearly unseated incumbent Rep. John R. Kuhl Jr., R-Hammondsport, last November, will seek the 29th District Congressional seat again next year. Massa announced today that he is officially opening an exploratory committee to prepare for the contest. "I was going to be very happy to stay in retirement," Massa said. "But the issues of today underline the need for an honest debate of the issues." Massa, a retired Naval officer who lives in Corning, said he is starting from "ground zero" to build a campaign staff, raise money and establish a headquarters. "We're very optimistic," he said.