Whatever happens, our governor, Eliot Spitzer will be known for quite some time as "Client number 9," accused of paying $5,500 for a prostitute to come from New York to meet him in our nation's capital.
Several different sources have said they expect hm to resign soon. It hasn't happened yet today. Perhaps tomorrow.
"I apologize today first, and most importantly, to my family. I apologize to the public, whom I promised better," said Eliot Spitzer before the TV cameras Monday afternoon.
It was a stunning fall from grace: Eliot Spitzer, once called the Sheriff of Wall Street, a family man and father of three now accused of soliciting a high-priced prostitute less than 24 hours before Valentine's Day.
"I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family," Spitzer said during an afternoon news conference that lasted about a minute and during which he spoke but took no questions. "and that violates my, or any, sense of right and wrong."
Before a room packed with reporters and with his wife grimly looking on, Spitzer apologized but offered few specifics. We've learned a federal wiretap allegedly caught Spitzer soliciting a prostitute from the Emperors Club, VIP. He allegedly met her in the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. and then went on the next day to testify before congress.
"It's just been brought to my attention," said New York Senator Charles Schumer late Monday afternoon. "in a two-sentence notice on a Blackberry and I just don't know enough to say anything at all."
Democrats didn't know what to say. They were flummoxed by today's news. Sources for both parties agreed, Spitzer has got to go. One called a resignation "imminent."
After his stunning announcement, Spitzer did not go to Albany as expected, but instead went to his home on East 79th Street, going inside with his wife where he remained overnight, mulling over a troubled future.
The governor has, of course, gotten the reputation over this last year in office as somewhat bullheaded and difficult. This evening, Representative Peter King, a Republican from Long Island, released a statement saying, "I never try to take advantage or gloat over a personal tragedy, however this is different. This is a guy who is so self-righteous, and so unforgiving."
Again, sources are telling Eyewitness News they expect Governor Spitzer to resign but it hasn't happened yet. If it does happen tomorrow, Lieutenant Governor David Paterson would take office.
It's thought maybe he's not resigned yet because he and his lawyers perhaps are negotiating with federal prosecutors, so that if he resigns he won't face any jail time nor charges.
