'Deeply sorry,' Spitzer to step down by Monday
Gov. Eliot Spitzer said Wednesday that he will step down from the state's top office because he cannot allow his "private failings to disrupt the public's work." "I am deeply sorry that I did not live up to what was expected of me," he said at a brief news conference announcing his intention to resign, effective Monday. "I will try once again outside of politics to serve the common good." With his wife, Silda, at his side, he added, "Our greatest glory consists not in never falling but in rising every time we fall." The announcement came as the New York governor faces allegations -- but no charges -- that he is tied to an international prostitution ring ensnared in a federal investigation. Spitzer's lawyers were in discussions Wednesday with the U.S. attorney's office in New York, trying to negotiate a plea deal to avoid prosecution, a source said. However, U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia in New York issued a statement saying, "There is no agreement between this office and Gov. Eliot Spitzer relating to his resignation or any other matter." Spitzer, a former state attorney general whose reputation as a scourge of white-collar crime propelled him to the governor's office in 2006, has faced calls for his resignation since apologizing for a personal indiscretion Monday. He has not elaborated. In his Wednesday announcement, Spitzer said, "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." On Monday, prosecutors unsealed an affidavit detailing a rendezvous in a Washington hotel room last month as part of a federal prostitution investigation. The affidavit refers only to "Client 9," but a source told CNN on Monday that the reference was to Spitzer. Sources said Spitzer spent more than $15,000 for several encounters with prostitutes. Sources revealed Wednesday that Spitzer is thought to have begun patronizing the prostitution outfit, known as the Emperors Club, eight months ago and had used its services on at least eight occasions. Both Republicans and Democrats had called for him to leave office. "Eliot knows he cannot hold onto his job here. He might want to, but he is absolutely aware of his predicament," a Democratic source said Tuesday. Lt. Gov. David Paterson, 53, will become the first black governor in the state and the fourth in U.S. history. The former state Senate minority leader, who is legally blind, is the son of Basil Paterson, a longtime Democratic operative in New York City. In a statement after Spitzer's announcement, Paterson called the governor a friend and said he was saddened by the news surfacing this week. "My heart goes out to him and to his family at this difficult and painful time," Paterson said. "It is now time for Albany to get back to work as the people of this state expect from us." Spitzer, 48, took office in January 2007 after eight years as the state's attorney general, rising to national prominence. He built his career on rooting out public corruption and became a national figure with a series of high-profile Wall Street investigations. He also prosecuted prostitution rings. Spitzer is married with three daughters. Sources said a federal money-laundering investigation led agents to Spitzer. A 47-page affidavit details arrangements for a nearly 2 |
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