NY Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigns

[Saguaro]

NEW YORK - Gov. Eliot Spitzer announced Wednesday that he is resigning, completing a spectacular fall from power for a politician whose once-promising career imploded amid allegations that he paid thousands of dollars for high-end prostitutes.

"I look at my time as governor with a sense of what might have been," Spitzer said, with his expressionless wife Silda standing at his side. "There is much more to be done, and I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the people's work."

Spitzer says his resignation is effective Monday. He will be replaced by Lt. Gov. David Paterson, who will become New York's first black governor.

The scandal erupted two days ago when allegations surfaced that the 48-year-old Spitzer spent thousands of dollars on a call girl at a swanky Washington hotel on the night before Valentine's Day.

Spitzer was more composed than he was at his appearance two days ago, when he looked pale, drawn and glassy-eyed. The couple stood quietly Wednesday, inches apart; they never touched as they entered or left the room.

His wife took deep breaths as hundreds of photos were taken at close range. Each of Spitzer's words was accompanied by a rush of camera clicks.

"There is much more to be done, and I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the people's work," he said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080312/ap_on_re_us/spitzer_prostitution;_ylt=Ahy3mbLjfNR4BC9.Pwe9cnms 0NUE

[Yellowdogtexan]

Governor Spitzer resigns effective as of March 17 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/12/spitzer-resigns-as-new-york-governor/Today, Eliot Spitzer announced that he is stepping down as governor of New York state, after his involvement in a high-end prostitution ring was revealed earlier this week. His resignation will be effective on March 17. Lt. Gov. David Paterson will now take Spitzer’s position, becoming the state’s first African-American and blind governor, and only the third African-American governor since Reconstruction.

Transcript:SPITZER: In the past few days I have begun to atone for my private failings with my wife Silda, my children and my entire family. The remorse I feel will also be with me. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for the love and compassion they have shown me.

From those to whom much is given, much is expected. I have been given much: the love of my family, the faith and trust of the people of New York, and the chance to lead this state. I am deeply sorry that I did not live up to what was expected of me.

To every New Yorker, and to all those who believed in what I tried to stand for, I sincerely apologize.

I look at my time as governor with a sense of what might have been. But I also know that as a public servant, I and the remarkable people with whom I work have accomplished a great deal.

There is much more to be done, and I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the people’s work.

Over the course of my public life I have insisted — I believe correctly — that people, regardless of their position or power, take responsibility for their conduct. I can and will ask no less of myself.

For this reason, I am resigning from the office of governor. At Lieutenant Governor Paterson’s request, the resignation will be effective Monday, March 17, a date that he believes will permit an orderly transition.

I go forward with the belief, as others have said, that as human beings our greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time that we fall.

As I leave public life, I will first do what I need to do to help and heal myself and my family. Then I will try once again, outside of politics, to serve the common good and to move toward the ideals and solutions which I believe can build a future of hope and opportunity for us and for our children.

I hope all of New York will join my prayers for my friend David Paterson as he embarks on his new mission. And I thank the public once again for their privilege of service.

Thank you very much.

[Wabash]

Ol Love Client # 9...bites the dust! Sung to the tune of Love Potion #9...:tunes:yay

[Wabash]

Well, golly Two(2) Spitzer threads....! I'll say it again....

Love client #9 bites the dust...

[Trueblue]

There are already T shirts and ball caps for sale that say "Client Number 9". :lol

[Wabash]

There are already T shirts and ball caps for sale that say "Client Number 9". :lol

I really for bad for his wife and the kids that have to go to school and endure that.....