From those to whom much is given, much is expected. I have been given much, the love of my family, the faith and trust of people of New York, and the chance to lead the state.
I'm deeply sorry I did not live up to what was expected of me
To every New Yorker, and to all those who believed in what tried to stand for, I sincerely apologize.
I look at time as Governor with a sense of what might have been. But I also know that as a public servant, I and the remarkable people with whom I've worked have accomplished a great deal.
There is much more to be done, and I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the peoples' work.
Over the course of my public life, I have insisted I believe correctly that people, regardless of their position or power, take responsibility for their conduct. I can and will ask no less of myself.
For this reason, I am resigning from the office of Governor.
At Lt. Gov. Paterson's request, the resignation will be effective monday, March 17, a date that he believes will permit an orderly transition.
I go forward with the belief as others have said, that as human beings, our greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
As I leave public life, I will first do what I need to do to help in heal myself and my family, then I will try once again outside of politics to serve the common good - and to move toward the ideals and solutions which I believe can build a future of hope and opportunity for us and for our children.
I hope all of New York will join my prayers for my friend David Paterson as he embarks on his new mission and I thank the public once again for the priveledge of service. Thank you very much.
