Sources: Spitzer to quit tomorrow; Update: He was a good tipper, says escort
posted at 7:47 pm on March 11, 2008 by Allahpundit
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A deal’s in the works and the governorship is his get out of jail free card. He resigns, cops to nothing worse than a misdemeanor to protect his law license, takes some time off to “heal,” then reemerges as a partner at some white shoe criminal defense firm, earning the millions per year that’ll keep him well supplied with all the high-priced (read: $80,000) hookers he can shake a, er, stick at.
All’s well that ends well. Except for his wife and three kids, of course. Vaya con dios, steamroller.
Gov. Eliot Spitzer is set to resign Wednesday, sources tell CBS 2 Political Reporter Marcia Kramer, but insiders say he’s going to use the resignation as a bargaining chip to cut a deal with federal prosecutors and he won’t step down until that happens. The talks have been going on since Tuesday morning…
The very real problem for Spitzer, as he well knows having been a prosector and the former Attorney General is that he could be charged with a number of things that carry jail time: tax evasion, money laundering, bringing a prostitute across state lines from New York to Washington…
Sources say the resignation is expected sometime Wednesday morning, but it is unclear whether he will do it in writing or in a farewell speech. All of this, of course, is pending on the outcome of any deal he cuts.
Exit question: Is the resignation plus the burning humiliation he’ll suffer as details of his kink fu start coming out in the press enough punishment here, or does he have to do time? Shame as titanic as this is enough for me but, like CBS says, the U.S. Attorney’s going to have to explain the unequal treatment if Spitz gets off with a wrist slap.
Update: “Women Ponder Why Spitzer’s Wife Stood By.” Maybe she loves him, maybe she felt sorry for him, maybe she just figured it’s What One Does in these situations. None of which affects the fact that he, like every other pol under these circumstances, is a cretin for asking her to do so.
Update: “Kristen” remains as yet unknown but there’s a photo here of one of his previous “providers.” I’m not going to say a word.
Quote: “[L]awyers close to the case say New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer is prepared to resign and has his letter written.” Mrs. Spitzer’s evidently left the city with their kids sometime this afternoon; Spitz himself remains behind.
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It may be too early to comment on this breaking scandal regarding Eliot Spitzer, but since I have no desire to make political points over this issue, I will go ahead and give my take as things stand now. I will not recount the details as they have been reported, rather try to put it into perspective.
First of all, it would not be fair to try and frame this in political terms-liberal vs conservative or Democrat vs Republican. Suffice to say that this story serves to prove the point that these transgressions by public officials cut across party lines. Today, we have a scandal by a Democratic politician, the Governor of the State of New York, Eliot Spitzer. In recent months or years, we have seen similar sexual scandals by Republican politicians, specifically, Mark Foley, Larry Craig and David Vitter. We have also seen the indictment of Democratic Congressman, William Jefferson of Louisiana, for bribery. Other bribery investigations are still in progress against both Republican and Democratic politicians. No doubt, many Republicans are cheering the news today. Spitzer is not regarded as a well-liked personality, and he has few defenders.
In today’s press conference, Spitzer, while not going into details, all but confirmed that the breaking story against him has merit. Will he resign? He did not say, and speculation is strong that he is holding that option open as a bargaining chip against any possible indictment.
Should Spitzer be indicted if he, is in fact, involved in patronizing a high-priced prostitution ring? I will let the evidence dictate that. Is there a crime possibly involved? Very possibly- especially if the New York Governor participated in ordering that a prostitute be sent from New York to Washington DC (across state lines) for his use-as is reported.
More importantly, if all this is true, should Spitzer continue as Governor? In my view, unless this is all a big mistake or misunderstanding-no, he should not. Once a public official violates the law, he or she no longer belongs in public office. Let us not forget that, as New York Attorney General, Spitzer prosecuted prostitution rings-in 2004 holding a strongly-worded press conference in announcing prostitution indictments.
Am I morally outraged at Spitzer’s conduct? No. He is hardly the only man who has cheated on his wife and utilized the services of prostitutes. But he is the Governor of New York and formally Attorney General. First of all, a man in Spitzer’s position who engages in this activity, automatically leaves himself/herself open to blackmail.
In addition, sexual transgressions, may or may not violate the law, public sensibility, or what have you. Sometimes, with everyday people, it is no one else’s business. Not so with elected officials. Is it too much to ask that an elected official reign in his/her desires when they could interfere with their public service? As for patronizing prostitutes, there are legal ways to engage in that behavior. For example, Spitzer could have gotten on a plane and gone to a legal brothel in Nevada, thus not violating any laws. He could have traveled to any one of a number of foreign countries where prostitution is legal. Had that been the case, then I might argue that he should not have to resign. Unfortunately, Spitzer chose to engage in an illegal activity-supporting a lucrative and illegal enterprise and opening himself open to blackmail in the process.
In the coming days, further developments are sure to come. What I don’t think will change is the principle behind this posting. While not trying to portray this as some typical Democratic scandal, hopefully, people like Nancy Pelosi or John Dean will think twice before talking about the so-called “Culture of Corruption” in the Republican Party. It affects both parties, and we as Americans, need to think about what is wrong with our system of politics that we are continually attracting people like Eliot Spitzer into “public service”.
gary fouse
fousesquawk
gary fouse on March 11, 2008 at 7:53 PM
Good Photoshop.
Wha?
Who IS that moron? Greenwald(s)?
Dan Collins on March 11, 2008 at 7:54 PM
He’s gotta lose his law license. The man was prosecuting prostitutes and johns while visiting whores himself. He risked exposure to blackmail as a DA and a Governer. He can’t walk away with a wrist slap. Maybe no time, but he’s got to testify and he’s got to be disbarred. Anything else is too little.
The Apologist on March 11, 2008 at 7:56 PM
Um, Gary . . . yes, I do find him morally repugnant. He gained his authority by representing himself as something he was not. He is using an office he obtained fraudulently in order to avoid penalties that someone with less bargaining power would have to face. In most cases of fraud, it is a principle that the person who perpetrated it may not benefit from it.
Dan Collins on March 11, 2008 at 7:57 PM
Sorry not DA. Should be AG.
The Apologist on March 11, 2008 at 7:58 PM
So, is he going to switch jobs and start a career pimp?
Indy Conservative on March 11, 2008 at 7:58 PM
I really need to know what a $5K hooker looks like. I can maybe see $1K since he is such a skinny ugly little troll but $5K is unfathomable
400lb Gorilla on March 11, 2008 at 7:58 PM
Give him a break? If he were a Pub you’d want him to hang, literally. When it’s one of our guys, we want him gone, when it’s one of theirs, they defend him to the end.
Tony737 on March 11, 2008 at 8:00 PM
Has anybody seen or heard any libs connect this with President Bush in anyway? Has Bushco taken down another “dissenter”? I have my “Karl Rove, you magnificent bastard” all warmed up waiting for the first “Bush Lied, Spitzer got laid” headline.
Mallard T. Drake on March 11, 2008 at 8:01 PM
I have reached a the point where I no longer condemn ANYONE for jumping bail and fleeing the so-called “criminal justice system” in America. Guilty or innocent, it doesn’t matter, there in no justice for anyone in the U.S.A. That how corrupt that I believe things have become.
That said, I do NOT believe that the problem is systemic. The so-called “system” is only as good as the people that make it up. Laugh all you want at the likes of Falwell, Hagee, and the others (they frequently deserve it) - but it does not alter the fact that America has gone the way of the Roman Empire.
My collie says:
CyberCipher on March 11, 2008 at 8:03 PM
Remember the picture of the poor man selling apples on the street during the Great Depression?
That should be Spritzer, after the government and his wife (and her lawyers) are finished with him.
Hey! He was lying with dogs: he’s now getting fleas. If he’s so willing to destroy his career and reputation for a few hookers, why stop him?
newton on March 11, 2008 at 8:04 PM
I grow weary of salacious scandals involving political figures. If someone breaks a law, prosecute ‘em. I don’t care which party or what office. Prosecute ‘em to the fullest extent of the law. End of story.
aero on March 11, 2008 at 8:05 PM
I agree with him losing his license. That or jail, take your pick.Walking away with the ability to still make money in the system he so obviously has no respect for is wrong in my book.
bbz123 on March 11, 2008 at 8:06 PM
I’m sure this is a dumb question, but how exactly his resignation used as a bargaining chip?
James OK on March 11, 2008 at 8:06 PM
If he wanted unprotected anal, let him have it: Give him the same sentence that the ones he prosecuted got.
pedestrian on March 11, 2008 at 8:08 PM
He can’t get a wrist slap..how many people are sitting in jail because of his prosecutions? It shouldn’t be a matter of if he quits then they’ll give him this..He should quit because, honestly, I am not so sure that a reporter will be able to help themselves from addressing him as anything but Client number 9!
Pam on March 11, 2008 at 8:09 PM
We should blame ourselves that we’re doing something to encourage the kind of people who engage in this behavior, even though it isn’t that big a deal to begin with? Liberal much?
How do you take so many words to say almost nothing and then blame voters for Spitzer’s moral bankruptcy? America hang your head in shame at “our political system” because the Democratic Governer of New York bangs whores on Valetines Day while his wife waits at home. Truly this is all our fault. Foley, Vitter, Jefferson, Cunningham, Murtha, etc… we the voters bear their shame around our necks cause they’re criminals or bordering on it. Not buyin’ it. Don’t feel even a little bit guilty, but I’m more than a little angry. Given Spitzer’s extortionist prosecutorial style it probably shouldn’t be surprising that he views women as commodities, but I’m surprised he would take those beliefs and put them into action while wielding authority.
The Apologist on March 11, 2008 at 8:12 PM
I feel sorry for him.
He’s going to lose all his connections.
Eh well, at least he got some experience in the sex underworld.
I didn’t know that hookers cost a lot these days.
The other day I called for one on the phone, I heard a sexy young voice on the other side. She said she was 21. She sure sounded hot and ready to go. So I agreed to payed the 100$ for a couple of hours of ‘infinite pleasure’ as she called it.
After I hung up, I took a shower, got my leather on and sharpened the whip.
Then I heard a knock on the door. I opened and there I saw an ugly old hag who looks like a spit on a turd, smiling at me and saying: “Hi baby.”
I slammed the door on her face, took off my leather and swallowed 10 sleeping pills. That’s what they told me at the hospital after I woke up from the coma.
Indy Conservative on March 11, 2008 at 8:17 PM
I hope he goes where he will get all he can stand!
trs on March 11, 2008 at 8:19 PM
He broke the law that he knows all so well and prosecuted others to the fullest extent of the law. He should not be granted any deals.
And as the 400lb Gorilla asks, what does a 5K hooker look like.
They took the site down http://www.emperorsclubvip.com
BTW; $5K looks a lot better than any skin would.
Kini on March 11, 2008 at 8:20 PM
Um, okaaaayyyy…………
Mallard T. Drake on March 11, 2008 at 8:21 PM
I understand that he wants to preserve his law license and keep the option to parachute into a white-shoe law firm, but realistically, who would want to be represented by this creep?
Travis Bickle on March 11, 2008 at 8:21 PM
Dumbs have set the bar pretty high for ethics, calling on every GOPer to quit when any sign of misconduct appears.
They need to adhere to the same standard… oh, wait! They’re two faced liars and traitors.
Nevermind.
madmonkphotog on March 11, 2008 at 8:21 PM
Maybe he’ll end up like this guy
Kini on March 11, 2008 at 8:24 PM
Golly Nell!! Martha Stewart went to prison ‘just because’…
tree hugging sister on March 11, 2008 at 8:26 PM
IC, that was funny. Glad you recovered in time.
Strictly on topic - pickled!
Entelechy on March 11, 2008 at 8:28 PM
Are you kidding? If he is a good lawyer, there will be plenty of people who either think he got a raw deal or won’t care. There are a lot of people out there who think this is just about sex and leave poor Eliot alone.
Mallard T. Drake on March 11, 2008 at 8:28 PM
It’s fun to do the speculation about Spitzer’s political future, since there is none. Politically he’s cooked: 1) for being a hypocrite, and 2) being a creep.
But he’s a super rich 48-year-old guy. He doesn’t need to work in a firm representing white collar criminals, nor would he. Rich, egomaniacs want attention. My prediction: he’ll be a legal analyst on CNN in the near future.
darkegop on March 11, 2008 at 8:36 PM
Indy Conservative on March 11, 2008 at 8:36 PM
Well I said Spitzer would resign by midnight,so I’m off a tad and all the Liberal media pundits like Carville on CNN,
can spin this till sunday,one thing was clear tho,the treat-
ment of Spitzer by the left media was the same speil as Perfert-in- Chief Bill Clinton.
Instead of being treated as a disgusting,immoral act,they
kept harping about his situation as being a private affair
again no different then Slick Willy.
Wiretapping,to clarify;
Spitzer was moving cash from Shell company’s that didn’t exist,the tax guys got curious,a LEGAL wiretapping came
next,Spitzer got caught in the very thing that in his line
of work did!
Illegal Wiretapping;
Some years back an old couple was out for a beautiful Sunday
drive as they claim,they just so happened to have a tape
recording device,and they just so happened to have equipment
to listen in on Cell Phone Conversations.
And they just so happened to listen in on Newts conversion
and tape it.And they just so happened to be Liberal Hacks
and turned it over their Liberals,and then it just so happened to be aired on CNN.
Spitzers ultimate betrayal,is what he put his wife through,
at the press conference,she actually looked as if she died!
And Spitzers ultimate betrayal is that of a Father,how in the world could any Father put his beautiful precious daughters through this ongoing drama horror story!
canopfor on March 11, 2008 at 8:37 PM
He broke the law…
Kini on March 11,2008 at 8:20PM
Kini: You are the resourceful one,took your link tip,
and presto gone.I don’t care who they are,but
for a guy to spend 10-20 seconds over Toyko,
nobody is worth $5,000.00/Hr.haha
canopfor on March 11, 2008 at 8:49 PM
Move on and censure right?
Good riddance..one down
SaintOlaf on March 11, 2008 at 8:50 PM
I don’t care if he does hard time. He should pay a huge fine and run his law license thru a schredder. Or else in a few years he will “reinvent” himself and have a new career making millions suing anything in the private sector that is not nailed down.
Who is the moron in the picture, his father?
dentalque on March 11, 2008 at 8:50 PM
He still has to appear before the state bar and he will lose his law license. Misdemeanor or not, he committed numerous acts of moral turpitude, most seriously the one that says you can not put people in jail for behavior/crimes that you yourself are committing. That truly destroys public confidence. I suspect he will resign rather than get disbarred. There is some tactical reason for doing that when facing disciplinary charges but don’t ask me what.
Blake on March 11, 2008 at 8:51 PM
Adding to canopfor’s list of assumed “betrayed” people. How many of us are this lucky with who our daddy is?
Entelechy on March 11, 2008 at 8:57 PM
I would like to think I’m worth $5K/hr, but I do have my principals.
He’s a chip off the ol’block, eh!
What’s scary, money buys elections. Who’s the whore?
Kini on March 11, 2008 at 9:03 PM
“Update: “Women Ponder Why Spitzer’s Wife Stood By.” Maybe she loves him, maybe she felt sorry for him, maybe she just figured it’s What One Does in these situations. None of which affects the fact that he, like every other pol under these circumstances, is a cretin for asking her to do so.”
And Hillary stood by Slick. I agree, he’s a cretin for putting her through that. and a cretin for getting himself into the situation in the first place. Another case of “do what I say, not what I do.”
Bill_M on March 11, 2008 at 9:12 PM
So, because he’s the Governor, he can negotiate with the DA on what charges are filed? Keep his law license? Is the humiliation penalty enough?
You’re shittin’ me, AP, right? He humiliated the voters of NY who placed their trust in that bastard. If he gets a sweet deal, there really is an “us and them”.
My exit question: If Spitzer were Billy Bob county attorney in Podunk Mississippi, would he keep his law license in the face of multiple felonies?
BacaDog on March 11, 2008 at 9:37 PM
I think it took a lot of guts for her to stand there.
SouthernGent on March 11, 2008 at 9:40 PM
She’s standing by him so she can run for a senate seat in the coming years.
heddly_lamar on March 11, 2008 at 9:40 PM
Scooter Libby must be just shaking his head……..
The question is, what to due with Spitzer’s Super Delegates?
Does he keep them, I think not, but I truly don’t know, and I don’t want to know that much about Democrat politics.
Do they go to the Lt. Gov. of NY? If so, I hear he is keen on Obama.
Will the Clintons sue, because they won New York? Something like that, but not so clean….
Will there be dirty “tricks”? With the Clintons involved check the rivers for bodies.
This is so schadenfreudealicous, I can’t contain myself….
The game is afoot……….
Seven Percent Solution on March 11, 2008 at 9:41 PM
2 Words. Craigs List
Guardian on March 11, 2008 at 9:43 PM
Considering the fact that we could rip on this guy for the next decade just on that story and photo alone, I think it takes a lot of self control to just link to it and let it be.
malan89 on March 11, 2008 at 9:49 PM
He has to do time. Not so much for the fact that he was a john or the wire transfers but for the fact that he prosecuted people and sought jail time for them for the same behavior he himself was doing. Talk about double standards!
Blake on March 11, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Are there any more pictures in existence? I ask for investigative purposes, of course.
amerpundit on March 11, 2008 at 10:05 PM
what the hell is a white shoe law firm?
DrW on March 11, 2008 at 10:06 PM
I wish they would refuse this part. He’s between a rock and a hard place and would likely fold.
peacenprosperity on March 11, 2008 at 10:06 PM
I wonder how Attorney General Spitzer would have dealt with this situation. Would he have let someone else in this situation get off with a wrist slap?
paul006 on March 11, 2008 at 10:06 PM
That is impossible. According to many of the posters here, family relationships and family and family influence has no bearing on whether you succeed in politics.
So for all those little Mitt-wits who claimed family influence does not help you…what you posted is a distortion, Spitzer did it on his own.
right2bright on March 11, 2008 at 10:13 PM
A law firm that works for wall street clients in New York City. They’re elite law firms.
Sydney Carton on March 11, 2008 at 10:20 PM
It seems that if the Feds go ahead and charge him, his resignation bargaining chip won’t be worth crap. Who does he think he’s holding over the can?
Don’t charge me or I’ll make myself an even more odius spectacle than I already am? Take that, NY.
Indict him. Start impeachment or whatever you do to get the NY Governor yanked from office. The hell with bargaining. I’m not so convinced these guys feel the shame a normal person would, anyway, so that pales as a consequence in my book.
TexasDan on March 11, 2008 at 10:21 PM
I would like to think I’m worth $5k/Hr.But I have my
principals.
Kini on March 11,2008 at 9:03PM
Kini:I’m going to try and carefully walk this high altitude
wire act,You and Entelechy are probably worth alot
more than said amount for said act,there I think I
Kubuki danced this one,I think!
canopfor on March 11, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Even though this is all over the news they seem to have forgotten to mention that he is a democrat.
They must be very busy and must have made an honest mistake.
SaintOlaf on March 11, 2008 at 10:26 PM
TexasDan, I’m just as confused as you. How is the governorship a bargaining chip? Can someone explain that to me?
Shivv on March 11, 2008 at 10:28 PM
Why? They never explained what happened to Sandy Berger.
Let me tell you gang, either the big fix is in for any politician with name recognition, or, the disease of incompetence infecting this country has reached plague proportions.
fogw on March 11, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Usually shame works for me, but not this time. This guy is a ruthless s.o.b. who has stomped all over people for his own ambition. Screw him.
Buy Danish on March 11, 2008 at 10:44 PM
Let’s all enjoy this… until the next Republican starts a foot tapping routine.
Mojave Mark on March 11, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Get out of politics? With a potential tag line like “He didn’t want anything that wasn’t clean?”
What a waste.
I wanna see posters saying: “Spitzer — Big Tipper!”
MrScribbler on March 11, 2008 at 10:53 PM
I’m 33 unmarried and will be running for Governor of NY! >:D
Chakra Hammer on March 11, 2008 at 11:02 PM
The majority of politicians are well…..politicians.
Johan Klaus on March 11, 2008 at 11:07 PM
He will not resign. He apologized. It was a ‘private matter’ and he intends to fight the charges and have his day in court.
“…the truth will come out at the appropriate time, and I have the support of the people of NY to finish the job I was elected to do. I will take no questions.”
…..they don’t like the judgementalism of having morals, so Democrats don’t subscribe to them. Rush Limbaugh 3/11/08
Starlink on March 11, 2008 at 11:14 PM
If he quits it’s too bad. The man is a walking disaster area. First it’s licenses for illegal aliens-making him the most unpopular politician in New York history. Now it’s shell corporations, money laundering and high-priced hookers, violation of the Mann Act and kinky sex. If he stays in office can we look forward to a triple murder at a 7-11? Or a nationally televised stolen car chase? What a hypocrite!
MaiDee on March 11, 2008 at 11:20 PM
He made it a public matter when he engaged in interstate prostitution and money structure. This is far from a private matter.
fourstringfuror on March 11, 2008 at 11:40 PM
Ditto. I was having a brain warp trying to think like a Dem.
Time for the aspirin…..
Starlink on March 11, 2008 at 11:45 PM
Resignation and burning humiliation is a good start but it isn’t enough. Spitzer actually sent people to jail for the same thing he got caught doing!
I’d say what punishment is just depends on a few unknowns here in the blogosphere the most important being is where these thousands of dollars came from for his whoring. Also involved is how long this has been going on and what laws were broken (Mann Act prosecution is a stretch IMO).
highhopes on March 11, 2008 at 11:54 PM
I’m with the others here - I don’t understand how his resignation is a bargaining chip, unless he thinks that his accusers simply want to bring him down politically and not prosecute him on the basis of the law … which, now that the story is out, doesn’t seem like an option.
Sorry guv.
furytrader on March 12, 2008 at 12:10 AM
He was certainly looking after a special interest group.
Kini on March 12, 2008 at 12:17 AM
His resignation is a “bargaining chip”? What the h3ll kind of bullcrap is that? Screw him, er, so to speak. Let him stay on as Governor then. Don’t resign. Then, prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law, while he’s also being impeached and/or recalled!
Eliot Spitzer once had a nickname of “Eliot Ness” while he ran roughshod as New York State Attorney General prosecuting, suing, and maligning anyone and everyone that he saw fit to put the screws to. He got that nickname for being “incorruptable” and “beyond reproach”. He even received and accepted awards for his legal-pit-bull tenacity as NYAG. He broke up and prosecuted a Staten Island “prostitution ring” while opining how disgusting and loathesome the ringleaders and “johns” were for exploiting women and endangering Public Health. All the while, while sitting on his high horse talking down his nose and taking on the big bad dogs as NYAG, he was humpin’ hookers! Then he decided to take a “damn the laws” attitude and pushed for giving ILLEGAL immigrants New York State driver’s licenses once he was elected New York State Governor.
He’s a megalomaniac that should absolutely be made an example of. He wasn’t known for, and never wished to be known as, charming. He wanted to be known as, pushed for, and got a reknowned reputation for being a lethal legal weapon. He bullied people to no end endeavoring to strike fear into the hearts and minds of anyone that dared cross his path.
Obviously, prosecution to the absolute fullest extent of the law is not only warranted here, but absolutely required. He should be thoroughly crushed like any other good megalomaniacal hypocrite should be. There is no bargaining to be done here whatsoever, aside from maybe turning states evidence for further prosecutorial ventures involving the prostitution ringleaders he’s helped make wealthy… and Clients 1 thru 8 and 10 thru however-high-it-goes. Then, only maybe…
SilverStar830 on March 12, 2008 at 12:24 AM
At least he didn’t have a prostitution ring in his home, like Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass.
jgapinoy on March 12, 2008 at 12:38 AM
Some one tell me why a prosecutor would accept a resignation for a reduced charges, when resignation/removal is inevitable given the charges of tax evasion and money laundering he faces.
clark smith on March 12, 2008 at 12:59 AM
Disbar him.
someone on March 12, 2008 at 1:29 AM
I’m a loser
I’m a loser
And I’m not what I appeared to be
Of all the issues I have won or have lost
there is one issue I should never have come across
It was a hooker service in a million, my friends
I should have known it would turn out to be me getting screwed in the end
I’m a loser
And I lost an governorship that was dear to me
I’m a loser
And I’m not what I appeared to be
Although I talk and I act like I’m king of all around
Beneath this mask I am wearing a frown
My tears are falling like rain from the sky
Is it for my governorship and
wife and daughtersmyself that I cryI’m a loser
And I lost an governorship that was so dear to me
I’m a loser
And I’m not what I appeared to be
What have I done to deserve such a fate
I realized that it was a hooker service and they did not really love me but it was by then too late
And so it’s true, lust comes before a fall
I’m telling you so that you won’t lose all
I’m a loser
And I lost an governorship that was dear to me
I’m a loser
And I’m not what I appeared to be
MB4 on March 12, 2008 at 2:27 AM
And if he skates it will be another nail in the coffin of equal justice for all.
MB4 on March 12, 2008 at 2:31 AM
Anyone who believes that there is “equal justice for all” in this country has not been paying much attention.
AZCoyote on March 12, 2008 at 6:13 AM
Why should Spitzer go quietly? So that we don’t have a Democratic Party governer facing impeachment during the general election campaign and the election itself. So that the newspapers that were cowed by him during his prosecutorial career don’t have time to get all their guns in action. So that the scandal will be contained.
I’m almost hoping he drags it out.
njcommuter on March 12, 2008 at 7:17 AM
Leave Spitzer Alone!
Aristotle on March 12, 2008 at 7:28 AM
My nine-year-old who’s in 4th grade came home from school yesterday and asked me who is Spitzer and what is a “scandal” and what is paying money for sex mean?
Thanks you effing putz Spitzer. Because of you parents across the country had to take care of some nasty business last night.
So for those of you who think this is just victimless, or an unwarrented intrusion into someone’s private life, think again. Our leaders are supposed to be moral examples to children. Yes, we hold them to a HIGHER standard than we do the rest of us, because their influence is out-sized. And that is why I hate Bill Clinton, and Pelosi, and so many Democrats. Because they are miserable examples of personal conduct for millions of kids.
JiangxiDad on March 12, 2008 at 7:38 AM
As a New Yorker and a “glass half full” guy, I take solace in the fact that the “Steam Roller” wasn’t caught with a man like New Jersey’s governor(speaks volumes about the Garden State), and he did not force himself on somebody like Billy Jeff. But other than that a completely deplorable situation that perfectly illustrates, “Be careful of who you step on, on the way up,…” The arrogance of it all is truly amazing.
boxcardriver on March 12, 2008 at 7:49 AM
Ding!Ding!Ding! Best post of the thread. Throw the book at the schmuck.
dentalque on March 12, 2008 at 7:49 AM
I had to do the same thing. Thanks again Gov. Steamroller
dentalque on March 12, 2008 at 7:51 AM
From my experience in the world of sexual addictions, I’ll hazard a guess:
She’s just had a train-wreck-sized lurch in her emotions, and she’s pretty well frozen at the moment. It’s going to take time for her to figure out exactly what her feelings are, and exactly what she intends to do about them. Until she does, she’s going to behave publicly pretty much as she always has — and she’s going to create a nice, safe distance from her husband at home. She’s a smart and sensible woman, she’s had a pretty good family life until now, and she’s not going to shoot it in the head until she’s good and ready.
These things take time.
philwynk on March 12, 2008 at 8:14 AM
must be nice being a powerful individual; it’s easy to do whatever you want and get away with it. I doubt he’ll get any time, let alone any sort of conviction. What a hypocrite.
drift on March 12, 2008 at 8:36 AM
If he is indeed on his way out, he certainly is letting the door hit him repeatedly in the process.
flutejpl on March 12, 2008 at 9:07 AM
Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play! ;-0
Seriously, I can’t recall a similar situation where virtually everybody friend and foe alike is telling Spitzer the party is over. There were actually cheers at the NYSE when the story broke!
This simply can’t be a newfound sense of morality. Infidelity in the Oval Office and sodomy in New Jersey were greeted with an “everybody does it” attitude. Rather, I suspect this is nothing more than “payback time” for an arrogant prick who got to the lofty heights of politics by crushing anybody who got in his way. Spitzer launched frivolous show trials against corporations to cement his populist facade. He set himself up as a crusader for ethical reforms in the name of the people and prosecuted miscreants to the full extent of the law to “set an example.” Now, Spitzer finds himself on the other side of the equation. It is a situation of his own making.
I would hope that the federal authorities treat Spitzer with all the compassion and sense of proportion that he has shown throughout his political career! I wonder if you can get the death penalty for prostitution and money laundering!
highhopes on March 12, 2008 at 9:16 AM
Maybe he likes it rough.
highhopes on March 12, 2008 at 9:17 AM
Wow. Not that the face-blurring hid much, but wow. It is a shame whenever anyone enters a lifestyle like hers, but it stings more for some reason when they are so beautiful.
Grafted on March 12, 2008 at 9:24 AM
The real issue is the money.
Whose money furnished these services?
drjohn on March 12, 2008 at 9:54 AM
The real issue is: You need to be careful about electing former editors of the Harvard Law Review. They are a strange bunch.
Does anyone know any other former editors that are vying for public office?
faraway on March 12, 2008 at 10:03 AM
With all of the talk about Do-Overs, do we in NY get a do-over of last year’s governor election. It’s only 10 weeks into his term!! Why is it that NY gets stuck with his Lt. Governor choice for the rest of his term when its obvious his ability to make choices is suspect. And how can NYers have confidence in David Paterson when he is allowing Spitzer to use the office as a bargaining chip. (Exit question: How many of the 68% electorate who voted for Spitzer did so because he had David Paterson as his Lt.?)
Anyone know if NYer will get a do-over, or more correctly, a special election to fill the rest of the term? What’s the law with this?
AverageJoe on March 12, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Again, and I’ve been trying to find even a lukewarm justification for this…why is a resignation being offered (and apparently accepted) in trade for a reduced charge/penalty? His removal from office should already be a given.
JohnTant on March 12, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Disbar the bozo.
corona on March 12, 2008 at 10:20 AM
To add to my question, if I’m the CEO of a major corporation and I was shadily using money to bring prostitutes across state lines and engaging in the hijinks Spitzer had…would a federal prosecutor be satisfied if I said “Well, I’ll just quit my job and we’ll be even, OK?”
JohnTant on March 12, 2008 at 10:29 AM
There are lawyers involved, nothing is a given.
I agree with you about removal from office being automatic, I’m one of those few who thought Clinton should have been removed from office for the infidelity too. That being said, we really don’t know what kind of a case the government has against Spitzer and what (if any) deal was struck. I read that Mr. Happy Pants lawyers were negotiating all day yesterday which tells me that the feds weren’t giving out too good a deal (again, if any).
At a minimum, and based on the information available, I think Spitzer should have his law license pulled. He knowingly engaged in money laundering and illegal activities as an NY’s highest ranking officer of the court. That shouldn’t be excused with a slap on the wrist as it was when Bill Clinton got a five year suspension for his perjury.
highhopes on March 12, 2008 at 10:47 AM
“he was a good tipper”? well…wouldn’t YOU be if you were tipping with
someone else’government money?HunnyWaggin on March 13, 2008 at 6:22 AM