Monday, March 10, 2008

Irony takes its toll for NY Gov. Spitzer

New York Governor, Eliot L. Spitzer was recently linked to a high-end prostitution ring as an anonymous client. He was discovered through a federal wiretap as a client who arranged to pay for train tickets so a high-end, New York prostitute could meet him at a downtown Washington hotel.
The call-girl website, The Emperor's Club, says that they provide women of high class, standards and education and charge from $3,100 to $5,000 per hour. The website has been shut down since.
In 1910, a federal statute states that the Mann Acts prohibits traveling to another state to engage in prostitution. Although Gov. Spitzer's actions resemble this federal statute, he has not been charged of any crime.
Spitzer has been in office for fourteen months, but has decided to not resign. He has dropped all public appearances and has since apologized for his actions. Even with an apology, his morals have been challenged. State senator Martin J. Golden stated that "[he] can't see him getting through this." If Governor Spitzer chooses to resign, Lt. Governor David A. Paterson will replace him which would make him the state's first black governor. Paterson is also legally blind.
Ironically, before Spitzer was governor he was New York State's Attorney General and took up many white-collar criminals and broke up two prostitution rings himself. This is a great time for late-night, comedy talk shows.

4 comments:

Josephine said...

This is yet another example that reinforces the public's view of hypocritical politicians. While, he once cracked down on prostitution rings, Spitzer, himself, is allegedly involved in one himself. I am extremely surprised that he did not resign, personally, I believe what is did is despicable. I also heard over the radio, that Spitzer's position as a super delegate could be compromised if he did step down. He has pledged his allegiance to Hillary Clinton, so if he steps down, Clinton is left with one less vote. Since, Obama has just won another state, I'm sure Clinton will want be eyeing the outcome of this scandal because she is so closely trailing Obama, and needs every last delegate she can acquire. Spitzer's successor is also a super delegate, so if Spitzer resigns then his replacement's successor will likely be made into a delegate to replace Spitzer's vote. It's all very confusing, and adds yet another level of drama to the presidential election.

Keith Chin said...

Wow, that sucks for him. I really don't see how he could get out of it. Something like this seems like it would trail his career forever, if he doesn't just resign. Then again, I suppose Clinton had his whole scandal... Maybe he can work things out anyway. And $3,100/hour... jeez...

vicky choi said...

I agree with Josephine that this is another good example of why people have such a negative view of politicians. I'm surprised Spitzer wasn't charged with any crimes and that he's decided to not resign. Maybe he's not resigning in order to keep his position as a superdelegate, this would be especially important if he is replaced by another superdelegate that supports Obama.

Derek Lee said...

The fact is that he has probably lost the respect of a lot of his constituants. He should do what is best for NY and step down. In terms of his allegiancence to Hillary, while she does need all the delagates she can get, perhaps she would rather not have the support of the Governer in the present situation.