Spitzer resigns, Paterson takes over Monday

  Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned late yesterday morning in the wake of news that he has been linked to a prostitution ring and an extensive money transferring network.

Spitzer has not been charged with any crimes to this point.

 “I am deeply sorry that I did not live up to what was expected of me,” Spitzer said during a brief statement from his office in Manhattan. “To every New Yorker, and to all those who believed in what I tried to stand for, I sincerely apologize.”
 
Lt. Gov. David A. Paterson will become governor, effective Monday.   A native of Brooklyn,  Paterson earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Columbia University and  his juris doctor degree from Hofstra Law School.

Federal prosecutors announced Monday the arrests of four people in the case.  Wiretaps  allegedly identify Spitzer as an unnamed client who met a prostitute on Feb. 13 at a Washington hotel.

The Internal Revenue Service became involved when  a significant amount of money had been allegedly transferred from one account to another.

Spitzer issued a brief statement Monday with his wife, Silda Wall Spitzer, at his side.

“Over the past nine years, eight as attorney general and one as governor, I have tried to uphold a vision of progressive politics that will rebuild New York and create opportunity for all,” he said.

“Today I want to briefly address a private matter. I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family, and violates my  —  or any  —  sense of right and wrong. I apologize first and most importantly to my family. I apologize to the public, whom I promised better. 

“I have disappointed and failed to live up to the standard I expected of myself. I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family.”