MyDD :: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effective Monday

Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effective Monday

by Todd Beeton, Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 11:44:21 AM EST

Gov. Eliot Spitzer, reeling from revelations that he had been a client of a prostitution ring, will resign today, some of his staff members said they have been told.

Mr. Spitzer is scheduled to speak today at 11:30 a.m. at his Manhattan office, and the resignation is to be effective Monday, aides to the governor said.

Lt. Gov. David A. Paterson would likely be sworn in to replace him at some point after that.

The Albany Project puts the whole thing pretty succinctly:

We just wasted the biggest electoral victory in the history of the state of New York. It's totally okay to begin throwing up right about now.

Gov. Spitzer is speaking now.

Update [2008-3-12 11:52:26 by Todd Beeton]:The remorse I feel will always be with me...

From those to whom much is given, much is expected...

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...

There is much more to be done and I can not allow my private failings to disrupt the people's work...

I am resigning from the office of governor. At Lt. Governor Patterson's request, the resignation will be effective Monday, March 17, a date that he believes will permit an orderly transition...

Tags: ny-gov, eliot spitzer (all tags)

Permalink :: 41 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer (2.00 / 1)

"We" wasted the biggest electoral victory? No. He did.

by falcon4e on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 11:46:52 AM EST

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer (none / 0)

Indeed--the blame for absolutely all of this falls on the man himself.

And that's a pretty great thing. Paterson may not have made as exciting a candidate, but he's probably going to be a far more effective governor--and since the scandal that brought Spitzer down was so uniquely his own, Paterson isn't tainted by it in the slightest. We went from having an unpopular, ineffective, vulnerable incumbent to having a clean slate in two days. I'm thrilled. (Except for the man's poor family. What a pig.)

by epenthesis on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 04:33:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation (none / 0)

What an idiot.

by rfahey22 on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 11:54:39 AM EST

Superdelegate? (2.00 / 3)

Carbocation, are you serious? This guy disgraces the state of New York and all you care about is one superdelegate? Jesus. Your prioritie are out of whack.

by falcon4e on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 11:57:38 AM EST

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effec (none / 0)

Now he needs to disappear. Let's get the focus back on the election please.

by Globe199 on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 12:01:22 PM EST

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effec (none / 0)

Out of respect for our new Governor, I think people should start spelling his name right. Paterson, one "t".

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 12:05:19 PM EST

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effec (none / 0)

As a NY native, do you know much about Paterson? All I've read so far is pretty superficial, but it makes him sound like a pretty progressive guy who isn't big on confrontation.

by HSTruman on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 12:08:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

he's from (none / 0)

a political family. Father held office in NYS, and i think was something in the DNC. Not entirely sure.

His style is very different than Spitzer. If you disagreed with Spitzer, he would rail-road you.

vote blue in 2008

by sepulvedaj3 on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 12:31:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I came to the conclusion (none / 0)

that Spitzer doesn't have a political bone in his body after he made a complete muddle of the drivers license brouhaha. That, of course, came during his complete mishandlement of the so-called Troopergate "scandal."

Paterson has the touch.

by JohnS on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 12:46:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effec (none / 0)

I'm not a NY native, I just came here for the jobs! I have a good feeling about Paterson, and he'll definitely have a better relationship with the legislature than Spitzer did, but the system we have is so resistant to change it's really hard to get your hopes up. But I do think he's a good guy overall.

In any event, I moved to NJ last week, so now I have the governor who doesn't wear his seatbelt instead.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 01:49:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effec (none / 0)

Sorry about the "native" statement, I know you're not FROM NY and simply meant that you (apparently used to) live there.

At all events, thanks for the info. I'm sad about Spitzer, but am also hopeful that Paterson will acquit himself well.

by HSTruman on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 01:59:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effec (none / 0)

He is to the left of Spitzer in a few ways, Death Penalty to name one. He is a bit Green when it comes to executive experience, but I found this great quote from an Albany Lobbyist.

You walk in thinking you will pickpocket him, but you leave and find out you're missing his wallet

He has a much less confrontational or "steamroller" style then Spitzer. He reaches "a principled consensus" He will be an effective governor, if not a Flashy or a major Star.

reality has a well known liberal bias-Stephen Colbert

by pierredude on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 01:50:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Paterson (none / 0)

I think Paterson will be a good Gov. He has a conciliatory personality but he is tough and not afraid of a fight. For example, he took on the incumbent Min Ldr and won in 2002 because he felt the guy was too resigned to being in the minority. He has a good relationship with Joe Bruno, the Repub Sen Maj Ldr, and that will serve him well trying to get legislation past. However, I have no doubt he will work hard to win the 2 seats the Dems need to take the Majority.

I had high hopes for Spitzer and am extremely disappointed in how things turned out. However, given the disaster Spitzer was in the last year I suspect the state will be better off with Paterson as Gov. Only time will tell.

by John Mills on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 02:47:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Paterson (none / 0)

i shot some video of paterson at reform day last april in albany. it's worth a look.

it's time: the albany project

by lipris on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 02:54:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effec (2.00 / 1)

even though i run the albany project, i don't necessarily agree with that statement. maybe i'm just looking for silver linings here, but in many ways, we aere about to get a more progressive governor than we probably could have ever actually elected. paterson is a genuine progressive and dedicated reformer. he has the potential to be a fantastic governor for new york.

it's time: the albany project

by lipris on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 12:27:53 PM EST

I agree. I really like Paterson... (none / 0)

...he's spoken numerous times with our tenants organization. Now he's gotta move fast to shore things up for Nov (so we can take back the state senate) and in anticipation of a (probably certain, now) Bloomberg run for gov in 2010.

by JohnS on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 12:38:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I agree. I really like Paterson... (none / 0)

Or a Hillary run... ;-)

by yitbos96bb on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 03:49:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effec (none / 0)

I could care less what he does now. My sympathies go out to his wife and family.

Wisdom Is The Reward For Listening Over A Lifetime

by gunner on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 12:40:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effec (none / 0)

couldn't...

Couldn't care less. Sorry, its just one of those things that physically pains me to read or hear.

by yitbos96bb on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 03:50:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effec (none / 0)

If your wife doesn't cut it for you anymore at least use the god damn internet. Lots of free pr0n there!

Christ, I have no more patience with this even though I think criminalizing prostitution is a mistake.

by MNPundit on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 01:39:55 PM EST

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effec (2.00 / 3)

Men don't cheat because their wife is lacking in something. That is just an excuse to blame her for HIS problem.

by splashy on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 02:49:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effec (none / 0)

Not all men do, but to say that NONE do is ridiculous as well.

by yitbos96bb on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 03:52:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effec (none / 0)

If he is unhappy, or his wife is not what he wants, then he should let the marriage go, not cheat and possibly bring home a terminal disease. That threatens her life, and causes much more hurt.

by splashy on Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 06:46:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effec (none / 0)

One doesnt need a problem to seek a prostitute. When you got a stressful job or position in life, one sometimes needs to get away and get some relief with no emotional baggage. Many men have engaged in such sex. Is it more ethical to do what Clinton did? I am not blaming Clinton by the way to get some relief with MOnica, but let's get some perspective. Men of all types have used prostitutes for centuries and will continue to do so. THere is no inherent evil thing in doing so. What do you call a mistress who does it with rich people for the money factor? Is that different from prostitution?

What I do not understand is why was he so stupid not to use cash instead of engaging in so many transfers. How tough was it to save a few hundred a month in cash and stash it away in a hiding place?

And why did Spitzer get personally involved in busting a prostitution ring in the past when he knew he was engaging in the same kind of stuff? I looked at the report linked on one of the blogs and it didnt seem like he busted a case which involved forced prostitution.

by Pravin on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 06:16:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effec (none / 0)

So, the problem is not that he was cheating, lying, and possibly bringing home a terminal disease to his wife? Interesting.

by splashy on Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 06:49:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effec (none / 0)

Yeah, this was as stupid as Springer writing his hooker a bad check. Idiotic. Isn't this why he has people? THEY make the plans in THEIR name...

What I want to know is WHY $1000 an hour? This better be the best looking chick in the world, because that's just all kinds of ridiculous. Watching Cathouse, you can sleep with pornstars for a fraction of that cost.

by yitbos96bb on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 04:45:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effec (none / 0)

Two points.
Cathouse chicks are ugly in comparison to many high class escorts
Cathouse chicks charge a lot too. THe smaller amounts are for blowjobs andless time.
Yes, I like following these hooker shows. I am not ashamed.

by Pravin on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 06:17:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gov. Eliot Spitzer Announces Resignation Effec (none / 0)

She's actually really cute. Not $5500 cute, but I suppose I'd pay $1000 for a pretty and intelligent escort on my arm for a night.

by MNPundit on Thu Mar 13, 2008 at 03:10:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Resignation Effective Monday (none / 0)

Mr. Paterson will likely be the most popular governor in NY history. Look at New Jersey as a guide. After McGreevey resigned in disgrace, acting goveror Dick Codey had approval ratings higher than 80%. He was looked at as a "healer" and would have won in a landslide had he not been pushed aside by Jon Corzine and his allies.

I think Paterson has the chance to "heal" New York in the same way and bring a new era of Democratic leadership. Mr. Spitzer might have just given us a gift.

The sharpest criticism often goes hand in hand with the deepest idealism and love of country. ~RFK

by Vox Populi on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 04:39:18 PM EST

NSA & Off to rehab (none / 0)

From Jon Taplin's Blog
http://jtaplin.wordpress.com/

1. The new NSA security dragnet netted Spitzer: Went after financial transactions, discovered big transfers of funds, tied that to the prostitution.

Bye bye privacy -- for Politically Exposed politicians, and then for the rest of us.

2. Eros & Thanatos - How Spitzer, Clinton, Gary Hart etc. went for Thanatos (the god of death) rather than Eros (god of life). Did they want to be caught?

Did they think that they could have sex in the open and be exempt because they were so smart and connected? Did they want to be caught??

by MS on Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 05:42:56 PM EST

You are not logged in.

In order to post a comment, you must be logged in. If you have a member account, please log in to comment.

If not, you can make an account right here. It's quick and free.