New York governor resigns amid scandal
New York Governor Eliot Spitzer announced his resignation Wednesday after being exposed as a client of a prostitution ring, including soliciting a call-girl the night before Valentine’s Day, the New York Times reported.
The news was particularly shocking given Spitzer’s reputation and image of being a crusader against corruption and white-collar crime. Political opponents were quick to call for his resignation, while other spokespeople said his personal life was irrelevant to his performance as governor.
Sources told CNN that an affidavit recounting a rendezvous between prostitute “Kristen� and “Client 9� refers to Spitzer. The former governor spent more than $15,000 for encounters with prostitutes.
“Kristen� has been identified as Ashley Alexandra Dupre, 22, an aspiring singer from New Jersey.
Spitzer, 48, is married with three daughters. His wife, Silda, stood by his side first when he briefly apologized in response to the allegations and then when he formally announced his resignation.
Spitzer was elected governor in 2006 after eight years as the state attorney general. He will be replaced by Lt. Gov. David Paterson, who will be the state’s first black governor and the first chief executive of any state to be legally blind.
Sources:
New York Times
CNN