Spitzer apologizes, seeks to regain trust

New York State Lt. Gov. David Paterson, left, and Gov. Eliot Spitzer are shown during an informal meeting with a West Seneca family in their home on April 4, 2007.

In the wake of news that he has been linked to a prostitution ring, New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer made no announcement Tuesday morning about whether or not he will resign.

Federal prosecutors announced Monday the arrests of four people in the case. Wiretaps in the case 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."

Should Spitzer resign, Lt. Gov. David A. Paterson would become governor. A native of Brooklyn, Paterson earned his bachelor's degree in history from Columbia University and his juris doctor degree from Hofstra Law School.

State Sen. Mary Lou Rath said she believes Spitzer should resign, so that the state can move forward with its budget and regular business.

"I felt shock and disappointment. The people put their trust in him, and for any public servant to betray the public's trust is sad for the people of this state," Rath said, noting many senators and state representatives share the same feeling that he should relinquish his duties as governor.

Assemblyman Jim Hayes, R-Amherst, said Spitzer should resign immediately.

"He lost the moral authority to be the governor of New York State," he said while in Albany Tuesday. "It was a tragic day for his family and people of New York State, who had high hopes for reform in the way state government does business."

Hayes said those in Albany were shocked on Monday following Spitzer's brief statement, and he thinks the governor needs to address this important issue.

With the state budget due April 1, an immediate resignation is in order, Hayes said, as state government is dealing with many pressing concerns.