%HOTSPOT-leftquigo%

Search

About This Blog

Welcome to the Political Machine. Here you can get the latest political news, engage with our bloggers and interact with the most dynamic community on the Internet. Stay tuned for the launch of our latest interactive features. Jump in!

Resources

RSS Feeds
Email our editors with your tips, corrections, complaints, inquiries, suggestions, etc.

Blog Roll

Is Spitzer 'Client #9?'

By Liza Porteus Viana
Mar 10th 2008 2:30PM

Filed Under:eDemocrats, Breaking News, Scandal, Eliot Spitzer

New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer today apologized for his reported involvement in a prostitution ring.

The brewing scandal was first reported in the New York Times, which said Spitzer told senior administration officials in his office of his involvement. The newspaper now reports that the governor was caught on a federal wiretap arranging to meet a pricey prostitute at a Washington hotel last month.

"I have acted in a way that violates my obligation to my family" and the public, Spitzer said during a brief press conference around 3:15 p.m. ET. "I promise better." He went on to say he is "disappointed" he has not lived up to the standards he set for himself, adding that politics is "not about individuals" but about "policy" and the "public good."

Spitzer, who is married with three children, did not mention the prostitution ring and did not say whether he would step down from office. "We sought to bring real change to New York, and that will continue," the Democratic governor said wit his wife by his side. "I must now dedicate some time to regaining the trust of my family." He added that he would "report back" to us.

Translation: He's probably going to ride it out and try to stay in office.

Federal prosecutors last week arrested four people in connection with a prostitution operation. Administration officials have not yet said whether this is the operation Spitzer had any involvement with but a 46-page affidavit now floating around gives details of that operation, in which there are many references to "Client 9," who was caught on the wiretap. "Client 9," who arranged to have a prostitute travel from New York to Washington, is said to be Spitzer. You can read the complaint here. Talk of "Client 9" begins around page 28.The news has New York politicos and others reeling.

"I'm sitting here in shock right now, along with a lot of other New Yorkers," David Schwartz, a former NY prosecutor, told MSNBC. "Politically, I would think this is a complete disaster for the governor."

Spitzer, who has prided himself on being a tough crime and fraud buster and was known as the "sheriff of Wall Street" for his role as state attorney general before being elected governor, is in his first term. He has had a rocky administration so far, particularly with his relations with state legislative leaders.

Fred Dicker of the New York Post, who is at the Albany capital building, called the story "shocking" and said Spitzer aides are not refuting the story. "If this is true, few people think he can survive, politically." He added: "This is the biggest political story in modern New York history ... this capital is in shock."

Recent Comments

(Page 1 of 3)
Post your comments below

Latest Elections News Headlines

    No current headlines. Please try again later.

    Breaking News

    Featured Stories

    Political Machine Photo Galleries

    Candidates' Favorite TV Shows
    Democrats Debate in Las Vegas
    Laura's Trip to Middle East
    Political Sex Scandals
    The Not-So Traditional 2008 Candidates
    Al Gore's Ups and Downs
    Spokespersons!
    Candidate Spouses

    Politics Video

    Will.I.Am on Obama's Internet Empire

    Will.I.Am on Obama's Internet Empire

    Will.I.Am ponders on how Obama and the internet have changed politics forever. (Oct. 3)
    Mo Rocca 180: Dolly vs. Abe

    Mo Rocca 180: Dolly vs. Abe

    Dolly Parton or Abe Lincoln? You must choose!
    Reid: Presidential Politics Harming Bailout Plan

    Reid: Presidential Politics Harming Bailout Plan

    Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Friday that the time has come for presidential politics to leave the negotiating table as lawmakers work to reach an agreement on a financial bailout plan. (Sept. 26)
    Dems Blame McCain for Bailout Deal Breakdown

    Dems Blame McCain for Bailout Deal Breakdown

    Sen. John McCain's self-portrait as a bold leader willing to set politics aside to save an endangered financial bailout plan took a pounding Thursday from top Democrats and even some fellow Republicans. (Sept. 25)
    Street Team '08: Pigskin Politics

    Street Team '08: Pigskin Politics

    A football game is the last place you'd expect to find political proselytizing, but this year Democrats are ready to make a hail mary pass in Idaho. Produced by Brian Rich of Idaho for MTV's Choose or Lose Streat Team '08 at chooseorlose.com. (Sept. 25)
    « See More Politics Video
    Register to Vote with Declare Yourself

    Declare Yourself is a campaign that encourages young Americans to register and vote.

    REGISTER TO VOTE NOW AT:
    www.declareyourself.org