Earlier this week, New York Governor Eliot Spitzer was accused of being "Client 9," an individual named in a federal indictment filed last week involving the Emperors Club, an alleged prostitution ring that caters to upscale clients. In response to the allegations, Spitzer held a press conference, during which he apologized to both his family and the public. Spitzer stated, "I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family and violates my sense of right and wrong." Now, just days after the story originally surfaced, Spitzer has announced his formal resignation.
"In the past few days, I have begun to atone for my private failings with my wife, Silda, my children, and my entire family," Spitzer said in a Wednesday press release. "The remorse I feel will always be with me … 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 … 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 Lt. Gov. Paterson’s request, the resignation will be effective Monday, March 17, a date that he believes will permit an orderly transition."
In response to Spitzer's resignation, Paterson issued a second press release. "Like all New Yorkers, I am saddened by what we have learned over the past several days. On a personal level, Governor Spitzer and Silda have been close and steadfast friends. As an elected official, the Governor has worked hard for the people of New York. My heart goes out to him and to his family at this difficult and painful time. I ask all New Yorkers to join Michelle and me in prayer for them. It is now time for Albany to get back to work as the people of this state expect from us."
When news of Spitzer's resignation surfaced, several media outlets began to speculate that Spitzer resigned as part of a deal to avoid prosecution for his alleged illegal activities. In response to these rumors, U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia issued his own statement, in which he contended, "There is no agreement between this office and Governor Eliot Spitzer."
As these press releases began to circulate, ABC News reported that a 22-year-old escort from another company came forward and claimed that Spitzer was a client of hers two years ago, when he was a New York attorney general. The woman asserted, "He didn't do anything that wasn't clean." It remains unclear what exactly she meant by "clean."
In addition to the sex scandal, Spitzer is allegedly being investigated for money laundering because he moved approximately $40,000 through various accounts in a manner that potentially violated federal money laundering laws.
Currently, Spitzer has not been charged with any crimes; it remains unclear if and when he will be charged. In the meantime, his sex scandal will most certainly continue to make good fodder for both critics and comedians. Earlier this week, Jay Leno, host of NBC’s "Tonight Show with Jay Leno," was one of the first to make light of the Spitzer sex scandal. Leno joked, "You know what the highest paid government position in the country is? Anybody know? Working under New York Governor Eliot Spitzer. It pays, like, $5,000 an hour."
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