NY Gov. Eliot Spitzer Linked to Prostitution Ring

By Jeralyn, Section Other Politics
Posted on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:20:50 PM EST
Tags: Eliot Spitzer (all tags)

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New York Governor Eliot Spitzer is about to hold a press conference. He advised his aides earlier he's been linked to a prostitution ring.

Update: Jeffrey Toobin went to law school with Spitzer and is telling CNN now on the phone he was always such a straight arrow. As Attorney General, he was always a "moralist." I have to agree. I used to debate Spitzer on tv before he was Attorney General and met him several times. He's the least likely person I can imagine being involved in this. I never liked his position on crime, but I liked him and am sorry to see this.

We're all waiting for the press conference. It's still not happening. CNN says he was a customer of the ring. This was an IRS investigation, would he really have used a credit card and left a paper trail? Or did his name just show up in records? Stay tuned, I'll try to live-blog the press conference if it happens.

Update: Press Conference: His wife is by his side. He didn't resign, he apologized to his family and the public and said he would be taking some time to regain the trust of his family. Very short, no details. He said politics is not about individuals, it's about ideas. He said he'll be reporting back. He said he acted in a way that violates the obligation to his family and his sense of right and wrong. No questions.

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That's the end of one political career (5.00 / 2) (#4)
by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:27:26 PM EST

It didn't end (none / 0) (#12)
by Lil on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:31:20 PM EST

for Vitter. Have times changed? No, we just hold Dems to a different standard. We should make a word for that: Demist?

[ Parent ]

I'll hold him to a different standard (none / 0) (#14)
by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:32:22 PM EST

He committed a crime. He must resign.

[ Parent ]

I agree (none / 0) (#128)
by desmoinesdem on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:26:39 PM EST

He should resign.

Time to think of a new answer for the "who will be the first Jewish president" sweepstakes.

[ Parent ]

: Baruch Obama. n/t (none / 0) (#133)
by LarryInNYC on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:28:51 PM EST

[ Parent ]

Yes. Dems resign, they don't get Jesus (none / 0) (#138)
by lilybart on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:31:26 PM EST

Or go to rehab or just stay like Vitter.

[ Parent ]

innocent until proven guilty (none / 0) (#151)
by oculus on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:34:17 PM EST

[ Parent ]

Didn't Vitter commit a crime? (none / 0) (#181)
by jcsf on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:54:57 PM EST

Yes?

[ Parent ]

Vitter's involvement was some time ago (none / 0) (#135)
by litigatormom on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:30:05 PM EST

Spitzer's was last month.

Perhaps we expect Louisiana politicians to be more corrupt? The fact is, as Spitzer just said (CNN did not have a camera, just audio): "I have violated the standards I set for myself."

Spitzer's reputation was built on his being squeaky clean. I don't think he can survive this, whether it is fair or not.

[ Parent ]

P,S, If Spitzer resigns (none / 0) (#137)
by litigatormom on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:30:54 PM EST

NY will have its first African American governor, David Patterson.

[ Parent ]

What about (none / 0) (#167)
by lisadawn82 on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:43:21 PM EST

Patrick Deval?

[ Parent ]

: Sorry (none / 0) (#168)
by lisadawn82 on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:43:54 PM EST

I missed the "NY" in your sentence. I apologize.

[ Parent ]
: Deval Patrick, not Patrick Deval (none / 0) (#187)
by gyrfalcon on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 03:01:25 PM EST

[ Parent ]

Lousiana (none / 0) (#146)
by Socraticsilence on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:33:18 PM EST

That's actually kind of fair, I mean can you imagine Jefferson getting re-elected somewhere outside of New Orleans?

[ Parent ]

: Adam Clayton Powell? (none / 0) (#170)
by oldpro on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:44:34 PM EST

Ever heard of him? He wasn't from Louisiana...he was from New York.

[ Parent ]

Depends on The Replacement (none / 0) (#188)
by pluege on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 03:01:42 PM EST

I believe the standard is that a pol resigns only if their replacement is assured of being of the same party (see Craig, Larry, alias "wide-stance"); if not, the Standard says 'than hang in there baby' (see Vitter, alias "do as I say, not as I do Vittman").

[ Parent ]

Reprecussions for State legistature? (none / 0) (#20)
by HadIt on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:35:27 PM EST

I wonder if this will have bad repercussions for Dem NY state legislature gains in the future.

[ Parent ]

I don't know, but we managed to (none / 0) (#26)
by tigercourse on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:37:06 PM EST

gain a seat just a week or two ago, despite Spitzer's already low popularity. ANd in November we cleaned up in local races.

[ Parent ]

: That's why I was wondering (none / 0) (#56)
by HadIt on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:48:26 PM EST

isn't it one seat away from changing hands to the Dems? Could this throw a wrench in things come this November, or is there enough momentum? I suppose if his negatives were already high, this might not change things on that front.

[ Parent ]

We should probably hear... (none / 0) (#36)
by Jerrymcl89 on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:41:00 PM EST

... what he has to say before writing his obituary. But if it's true, combined with his existing (and self-inflicted) unpopularity, it's hard to see him surviving.

[ Parent ]

I would want him to resign (none / 0) (#41)
by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:42:09 PM EST

myself.

[ Parent ]

I wouldn't (5.00 / 1) (#51)
by Jeralyn on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:45:06 PM EST

I think it's a personal matter. He's not AG now, he's Governor. If he was still AG, I'd think differently.

[ Parent ]

Ok (none / 0) (#67)
by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:51:24 PM EST

I buy that.

[ Parent ]

Fair enough (none / 0) (#71)
by JoeA on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:52:41 PM EST

but, this will depend alot on what exactly he is accused of.

I think Democratic voters and the party will want to hold him to a higher standard than Vitter or Larry Craig.

[ Parent ]

David Vitter, yes. (none / 0) (#79)
by OrangeFur on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:56:23 PM EST

I suppose Larry Craig pleaded guilty to something, but I don't think he necessarily did anything illegal.

[ Parent ]

: Possibly not (none / 0) (#86)
by JoeA on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:59:54 PM EST

Having said that, I'm not a values voter, far from it. However I would still not be keen on my married elected representative procuring sex in airport bathrooms whether it was straight or gay.

[ Parent ]

Listening to Peter King right now (none / 0) (#141)
by inclusiveheart on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:31:56 PM EST

on MSNBC essentially gloating over this and saying repeatedly that Spitzer is "self righteous" makes me want Spitzer to hang in there.

I don't recall any Democrat going after Vitter or Craig this emphatically in public. King wants Spitzer to resign.

[ Parent ]

Remember, too the NY AG is not like (none / 0) (#84)
by scribe on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:58:35 PM EST

other states' AG - he is not the chief law enforcement officer of the state. Each county's DA is charged with enforcing criminal law in that county. The NYAG is much more concerned with supervising corporations, trusts, charities, non-profits, etc. Most of what Spitzer did as AG was actually in the civil-enforcement side of things.

So, it's nowhere near like a cop or prosecutor being on the take or anything.

[ Parent ]

The headlines (none / 0) (#112)
by MKS on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:19:19 PM EST

made it sound like he was running the ring: "...linked to prostitution ring...." That would have put him into big trouble...

Isn't solicitation, etc. a misdemeanor? Why shouldn't this be handled as a DUI?

[ Parent ]

Crossing state lines (none / 0) (#115)
by Democratic Cat on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:21:30 PM EST

NYTimes says a women was sent to from NY to DC for a liaison, which apparently makes it a Federal crime?

[ Parent ]

Hope She Wasn't (none / 0) (#123)
by squeaky on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:24:25 PM EST

A 'bomb', because then the patriot act would come into play.

[ Parent ]

Yes. It's an outgrowth of (none / 0) (#127)
by scribe on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:25:45 PM EST

the Mann Act.

[ Parent ]

Why? (none / 0) (#129)
by Maria Garcia on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:27:20 PM EST

Why send for a prostitute from DC to NY? This just seems dumb to me.

[ Parent ]

Why have aides use the police to track (none / 0) (#150)
by tigercourse on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:34:05 PM EST

a political opponent? Spitzer has done some plenty dumb things as Governor.

And the reason I would give is that he trusted the organization in New York, and didn't want t just go up to congressmen, nudge them and ask if they knew of any good brothels.

[ Parent ]

It would be hard to believe (none / 0) (#186)
by badger on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 03:00:27 PM EST

there's a shortage in either place.

[ Parent ]

: He really, really liked her. (none / 0) (#189)
by oculus on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 03:02:06 PM EST

[ Parent ]

Because (none / 0) (#190)
by squeaky on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 03:02:07 PM EST

He has powerful enemies.

[ Parent ]

Does he have the chutzpah to push for legalization (none / 0) (#114)
by jerry on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:20:21 PM EST

I think prostitution, like marijuana, should be legalized, regulated, and taxed. As Governor, he could have played a role in that. He still should, but I suspect there's no way he'll be going that route.

[ Parent ]

If it's true, I agree. (none / 0) (#50)
by Jerrymcl89 on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:44:50 PM EST

For one thing, it's a crime.

For another, unlike Vitter, Spitzer will have a major impact on the state party's performance, and shouldn't allow himself to become a millstone.

[ Parent ]

He had alot of promise that burned out (5.00 / 1) (#8)
by tigercourse on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:29:00 PM EST

pretty darn quickly.

Men. (5.00 / 1) (#9)
by LarryInNYC on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:29:07 PM EST

Sometimes I don't like us very much.

The end of a promising career (5.00 / 2) (#13)
by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:31:48 PM EST

And yes, it is not the sex, it is the crime.

The man was the Attorney General of New York for crissakes.

[ Parent ]

It's the sleaze. . . (none / 0) (#39)
by LarryInNYC on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:41:40 PM EST

and the total and complete inability to subject the behavior of his body below the waist to the part sitting on his shoulders.

[ Parent ]

Maybe the problem is asking men to (none / 0) (#148)
by MarkL on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:33:40 PM EST

square the circle, morally.
Prostitution shouldn't be a big deal.

[ Parent ]

Below The Waist (none / 0) (#158)
by squeaky on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:39:26 PM EST

Is not always considered bad. We often criticize Pols for not having the balls to do things.

[ Parent ]

This was clearly. . . (none / 0) (#179)
by LarryInNYC on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:52:21 PM EST

a misapplication of the relevant technology.

[ Parent ]

: Hahaha (none / 0) (#219)
by squeaky on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 04:42:01 PM EST

Well put.

[ Parent ]

A different standard than for Hugh Grant, (none / 0) (#113)
by oculus on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:19:44 PM EST

for example?

Note: when I interviewed for DA's office years ago, I was asked if I could prosecute "victimless" crimes. Turns out they meant prostitution.

[ Parent ]

Hugh Grant was not a public official (none / 0) (#147)
by litigatormom on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:33:32 PM EST

and I don't think there was any "crossing state lines" thing. And I don't think Ms. Divine Brown, if I recall her name correctly, was under federal investigation at the time.

[ Parent ]

"victimless" crimes (none / 0) (#194)
by Kathy on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 03:04:49 PM EST

Love that spin. When the women get to keep all the money, when they aren't routinely robbed and beaten by their pimps, when they're not hooked on drugs or forced to have sex for room and board, then I'll listen to the victimless crime argument.

[ Parent ]

Do prostitutes have those problems.... (none / 0) (#205)
by kdog on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 03:32:32 PM EST

in Nevada?

Sex workers suffer under the prohibition of prostitution. The criminalization of prostitution enables pimps, traffickers, and exploiters to thrive...to the detriment of sex workers.

[ Parent ]

in order for that argument to work (none / 0) (#212)
by Kathy on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 03:50:36 PM EST

you have to assume that the women are enjoying the sex, or that their vaginas are a product exclusive of their bodies that they rent out. Don't get me wrong-prostitution is the oldest profession and it is never going to be eradicated, but even when it was legal during, for instance, Roman times, women were routinely raped and beaten if they tried to go out on their own.

Prostitution does not work without protection of some sort, because these women are very vulnerable. If you have a daughter, would you want her alone in a room with a man she has never met before? It's the same for a prostitute, but even more dangerous because sex is expected. Every woman I met who tried to go out on her own usually ended up violently raped or beaten-if not by a john, then by her pimp. These were street girls, and it's much better for the call girls, but at any level, they still have to pay off the top for protection.

The troubling aspect of the complaint listing Spitzer is that he had "unusual" needs. This, in my experience, is code for either fetishism or violence. I'd be curious as to which side it falls on.

[ Parent ]

: A lot of people rent their bodies.... (5.00 / 1) (#214)
by kdog on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 03:58:34 PM EST

I rented mine when I dug ditches.
I didn't like digging ditches, just as I assume most sex workers don't like sleeping with strangers...but it's a job.
I just think if it were legal, it would be a lot safer out there for the women who choose this line of work. If and when they are assaulted, they can call the police. They can't now, lest they get locked up themselves.

[ Parent ]

True, but that does not (none / 0) (#211)
by MKS on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 03:47:30 PM EST

seem the case with this ring.....

Spitzer's a fool--how could he ever hope to not be followed?

[ Parent ]

: how is that not the case? (none / 0) (#215)
by Kathy on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 04:03:54 PM EST

There was a call made and a girl was sent out. The woman who answers the phone probably works for the head of the agency or the someone who is connected to a crime organization.
Heidi Fleiss and Sydney Biddle Barrows were extreme exceptions to the rule, and they still got their cut.

[ Parent ]

Although my GOP friend from NY (none / 0) (#27)
by BarnBabe on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:37:12 PM EST

said when I told her, "So, just admit you did it, say you're sorry, and move on". Of course, there is probably more to the story. If I said that, it would be not wanting to bat a Democrat around, but she is a Republican.

[ Parent ]

He faced few setbacks until Governorship (none / 0) (#217)
by catfish on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 04:08:16 PM EST

I just can't get that mad about this and do not think he should resign.

He was extremely successful until he was governor, which may not have been a job that was a good fit for him.

This experience may temper his approach to politics in a way that will make him more effective (if it doesn't ruin him.)

[ Parent ]

GOODBYE GOVERNOR (5.00 / 1) (#19)
by CLK on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:34:51 PM EST

Another politician wants more time with the family.........

: The question is. . . (5.00 / 2) (#63)
by LarryInNYC on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:50:18 PM EST

will his family want to spend any more time with him?

[ Parent ]

I'm confused (5.00 / 2) (#22)
by Steve M on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:35:57 PM EST

Does "linked to a prostitution ring" mean something more sinister than "went to a prostitute"? I feel like I'm missing something in this story...

"a client" (none / 0) (#29)
by HadIt on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:38:05 PM EST

is what the NYT article says. We shall see, I guess.

[ Parent ]

i can't tell (none / 0) (#32)
by Klio on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:39:35 PM EST

but doesn't the story suggest he's client no. 9?

[ Parent ]

He was a client (none / 0) (#37)
by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:41:27 PM EST

Almost certainly. . (none / 0) (#43)
by LarryInNYC on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:43:08 PM EST

he appeared in one or more books as a client. They're probably saying "linked to" because at this early point in the story they haven't developed any information on actual visits -- that should take them an hour or two. Life in the Internet Age.

[ Parent ]

Client number 9? (none / 0) (#52)
by Salt on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:45:35 PM EST

So guess he will resign if he committed a crime who knows what happens if he dose step down.

[ Parent ]

: The Lieutenant Governor would take over (5.00 / 1) (#74)
by Jerrymcl89 on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:53:43 PM EST

This would be noteworthy in that the Lt. Gov. (David Paterson) is
A) African American
and
B) Blind

[ Parent ]

Yes, that sounds really bad (none / 0) (#121)
by MKS on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:24:06 PM EST

But I think the headline is misleading....

Politicians still get redemption for DUIs....so one would think he might try to hang on....Poltically, it may not be possible....

[ Parent ]

devastating (5.00 / 1) (#33)
by Turkana on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:40:38 PM EST

a year ago, he was a future president.

Same could be said (5.00 / 1) (#75)
by standingup on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:54:03 PM EST

for Rudy but these little indiscretions have a way of dashing those aspirations.

[ Parent ]

I wonder if it was pre-Governor (5.00 / 1) (#81)
by ineedalife on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:57:53 PM EST

After his witch hunt of Bruno you would think he knew his every step was under scrutiny.

[ Parent ]

: FWIW (5.00 / 1) (#124)
by Democratic Cat on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:24:38 PM EST

News reports say he was caught on a wiretap two weeks ago.

[ Parent ]
: This apparently happened on the night of (5.00 / 1) (#152)
by litigatormom on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:34:48 PM EST

February 13 -- the day before Valentine's Day.
Hope he got the missus a nice V-Day gift.

[ Parent ]

This is so sad ... (5.00 / 3) (#46)
by Robot Porter on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:43:45 PM EST

I had such high hopes for Spitzer due to his work as Attorney General.

He got off to a shaky start as Governor, but I was still holding out hope for him.

I'm a New Yorker.

Well, that was unexpected.... (5.00 / 1) (#49)
by Annie M on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:44:26 PM EST

I am speechless. What a drag...

Stay on topic (5.00 / 1) (#60)
by Jeralyn on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:49:44 PM EST

this is breaking news and comments will fill up quick. The presidential race doesn't belong here and those comments are being deleted.

This is about the involvement of Spitzer in a prostitution ring. Period.

is it just me (5.00 / 1) (#69)
by Kathy on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:52:07 PM EST

or is this not as disgusting or alarming as it should be? These scandals are becoming so commonplace that there has to be something truly heinous going on in order for me to be shocked.

I still think we should wait to see what the evidence is, and what Spitzer has to say, before calling for him to resign. It also might matter if he was targeted specifically in this federal sting. We know Rove has no qualms about using the government as his own inter-state Blackwater.

Actually, I'm stunned (5.00 / 1) (#83)
by Democratic Cat on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:58:07 PM EST

Scandals are commonplace, but Gov. Spitzer always seemed like an upstanding person.

[ Parent ]

Ehn. Men will be men. (5.00 / 1) (#90)
by Kathy on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:03:31 PM EST

And women will be women....n/t (5.00 / 2) (#101)
by kdog on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:11:07 PM EST

: Hahaaha (none / 0) (#105)
by squeaky on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:12:55 PM EST

Good one! We are all in it together.

[ Parent ]

No (none / 0) (#94)
by JJE on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:06:24 PM EST

There are many men who are faithful to their wives and don't solicit prostitutes.

[ Parent ]

of course there are (5.00 / 1) (#117)
by Kathy on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:22:01 PM EST

Here's the thing, though: many, many men see prostitutes. Else we would not have the number of sex workers that we do. When I did volunteer work with sex workers, it was estimated that 1% of all American women worked in the sex trade. (World statistics estimate 40 million women in the sex trade) On average, the women I worked with saw anywhere from six to ten johns a day. Do the math-we are talking millions of customers. They are not just skeezy guys who live with their mothers. They are doctors, lawyers, professional people, etc. They have wives and children and they go to church every Sunday. Hugh Grant. Eddie Murphy. Larry Craig. Ted Haggard. Charlie Sheen.

But, that is way OT. The point is that Spitzer being a nice guy and a good lawyer and a good politician doesn't mean that he can't also be the type of man who visits prostitutes. Many, many men see prostitutes, then go home and kiss their wives and take out the church and play with the kids and go to church.

How do you think AIDS became such a huge problem so quickly for white women back in the nineties?

[ Parent ]

You're right (none / 0) (#130)
by Democratic Cat on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:28:10 PM EST

Because it's usually hidden behavior, it's stunning to me. But I totally understand what you are saying.

[ Parent ]

all fine, but (none / 0) (#143)
by JJE on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:32:10 PM EST

"men will be men" implies this is normal behavior, which is what I objected to. I'd be interested in statistics for the % of men who've solicited a prostitute.

[ Parent ]

16% (none / 0) (#161)
by eric on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:40:14 PM EST

16% according to this study.


[ Parent ]

: and that is just the ones who admit to it (none / 0) (#192)
by Kathy on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 03:03:12 PM EST

[ Parent ]

I don't find it disgusting.... (5.00 / 1) (#89)
by kdog on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:01:32 PM EST

or alarming. We are talking about the world's oldest profession here.

I just find it hysterical...squeaky clean former prosecutor likes high-priced call girls. Not the first, not the last...to be sure.

[ Parent ]

I'm not sure many are calling for him to resign (none / 0) (#82)
by JoeA on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:57:55 PM EST

on this thread. I think it is more of a series of predictions based on what people view as political reality. Also potentially based on peoples views of Spitzer, i.e. they don't see him as a venal Republican who will cling onto office no matter what, despite any potential damage to his party. More of an in sadness than in anger type dynamic.

Much might depend on what comes out and how the news cycle develops.

[ Parent ]

: MSM (none / 0) (#102)
by waldenpond on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:11:27 PM EST

I'm watching right now..... the report is, it is different for him because of his work and reputation. Two stations are saying he must resign. How to change the media on this I don't know.

[ Parent ]

I think it will not be the end of his career. (5.00 / 3) (#70)
by scribe on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:52:15 PM EST

And, I think it can be spun that way pretty easily.

What the NYDN article I linked in above (and here, too) indicates is that the feds used a lot of email interception (sound familiar) and tracing wire transfers (familiar - think "SWIFT") to track down a couple guys who were running their service over the internet. Given the volume of business (they were found with over $600k in their place) and the prices listed, one would have to assume the feds hunting this one would be a higher priority than some nickel-and-dime operation. There's more to seize there.

As to Spitzer, the Republicans have been hunting Spitzer since minute one of his administration - and before, given his emphasis on rooting out their big contributors' corruption. First there was Nixon dirty-trickster Roger Stone and the Joe Bruno thing, where Bruno was alleging he was being spied on by Spitzer's people, or some similar BS.

That didn't really go anywhere.

Then, about a week ago, the Dems took a Republican-since-1880 state senate seat upstate, leaving Bruno and the Republican control of the State Senate one flip-of-a-senator away from the Democratic Lieutenant Governor being in the Dick-Cheney-casts-the-tiebreaker-position.

Given the chicanery of political prosecutions we've seen in the Seligman and Fieger cases, as well as the attempt by Domenici to have Iglesias (fmr. USAtty for N.M.) bring indictments of Democrats prior to the 2006 election, followed quickly by Iglesias' firing for refusing to do so, I think a strong case can be made (at least in the court of public opinion) that this is a political-demolition mission the US Atty's office has threatened. I think Spitzer's getting out in front on this one, and may well beat the public perception or related problems.

One has to remember this about prostitution busts in NYC - particularly the ones involving very high priced services - they come about because either (1) the providers are flagrant in advertising their services, (2) one or more johns are prominent people in need of being put back in their place, or (3) a lot of neighbors are complaining about the noise. We can exclude #3 (read the article). I suspect #1 doesn't obtain as the providers were likely no more flagrant than average. But, Spitzer's a Dem very much (to Rethug eyes) in need of being beaten down, and this admin has a history of using prosecutions for political purposes. So, I think we can safely conclude it's a political hit job.

All that said, you gotta have some, um, respect for a guy who can afford a $5k/hour prostitute and is willing to spend that much on himself.

is he being Seligmanned? (none / 0) (#91)
by irene adler on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:04:02 PM EST

it was my first thought considering the love Spitzer inspires among republicans.

thanks for the information in points (1), (2) and (3). time will tell which figures in this. hopefully, not too much time.

[ Parent ]

Yes The Timing Of This (none / 0) (#97)
by squeaky on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:08:36 PM EST

Strange coincidence. Wonder if they had some dirt on him for a while.

[ Parent ]

I think this just got kicked up in the last week (none / 0) (#107)
by scribe on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:13:33 PM EST

or so, since the special election in upstate.

If one is drafting a criminal complaint against the defendants here, even where there is prostitution involved, there is no absolute need to include Spitzer (or any other politician) as "Client #9" (or whatever client # he is - the complaint is inaccessible through too many people trying to get it) unless the prosecution wants to go after that politician. If he was essential to the jurisdiction or whatever, he'd have been Client #1. He isn't.

Given the way New York is and Republicans are, there's no doubt in my mind this is a hit job.

[ Parent ]

: Gotta Agree (none / 0) (#110)
by squeaky on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:15:25 PM EST

[ Parent ]

NBC is now reporting that he is (none / 0) (#153)
by litigatormom on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:36:25 PM EST

expected to resign.

His statement of a few minutes ago did not say whether he would resign. He simply said he needed to take some time to "regain the trust of his family." NBC is not saying when the resignation would take place.

According to the NYT story, he has known about this since Friday.

[ Parent ]

MSNBC vs CNN (none / 0) (#165)
by facta non verba on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:43:14 PM EST

you're right MSNBC is saying that he will resign while CNN is not. Perhaps wishful thinking on the part of MSNBC.

And I am in the wrong business. $3,100 an hour? Where do public servants get that kind of money?

[ Parent ]

: his family has a lot of wealth (none / 0) (#175)
by scribe on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:48:02 PM EST

from NYC real estate.

[ Parent ]
: $5000 per hour (none / 0) (#177)
by litigatormom on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:48:27 PM EST

and Spitzer is independently wealthy. VERY wealthy.

[ Parent ]

The NYS Dems are one senator away (5.00 / 2) (#78)
by scribe on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:56:05 PM EST

from controlling the Senate and, with that, the entire state government. They just picked up a Republican-since-1880 seat last week in a special election.

Go read my comment at 70 below.

Holy Cow.... (5.00 / 2) (#80)
by kdog on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:57:29 PM EST

the office is buzzing with this story right now. Squeaky Clean Spitzer is human?

I wouldn't care if Spitzer patronized an escort once a week....but I assume Spitzer supports the criminalization of prostitution, so you reap what you sow Spitz...welcome to the criminal class!

I'm bummed (5.00 / 1) (#85)
by lisadawn82 on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:59:05 PM EST

From what I've read of him in the past I've really liked.

I've so many thoughts on this that it's hard to grasp them as they swirl around in my mind. What a drag.

You can still like him..... (none / 0) (#95)
by kdog on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:07:19 PM EST

he didn't kill anybody or anything.

[ Parent ]

But it's so disappointing.... (5.00 / 1) (#106)
by Annie M on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:13:09 PM EST

He had such a promising career ahead of him....and then there are the wife and kids. Tragic.

[ Parent ]

Strong Families (none / 0) (#183)
by squeaky on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:56:44 PM EST

Get over this sort of thing and wind up stronger for it. I believe that they will come through it.

[ Parent ]

In my world.... (none / 0) (#197)
by kdog on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 03:08:50 PM EST

what's done between consenting adults on their own time has nothing to do with your career. It's a shame we can't let our leaders be human beings...it's no wonder we end up with inhumane leaders:) But like I said, they reap what they sow.

As for his wife, that is the sad part about it. They've got some issues to work out, to say the least.

But I will say the this...I'll take a smart, reasoned, all around good leader who patronizes call-girls (or gigolos), over a lousy leader who is a saint.

[ Parent ]

define "consent" (none / 0) (#200)
by Kathy on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 03:15:35 PM EST

Because if you spend any time talking to a sex worker, you'll quickly realize two things: 1. They feel like they have absolutely no choice but to have sex with whomever their pimp tells them to and 2. they hate most men with a burning passion.

[ Parent ]

: The problem is prohibition.... (none / 0) (#209)
by kdog on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 03:41:13 PM EST

which allows pimps, traffickers, and exploiters of sex workers to thrive.
If prostitution were legal, maybe sex workers who are abused wouldn't be afraid to come forward and report crimes of violence.
As an advocate for sex workers, which is very noble of you btw, don't you think taking sex workers out of the criminal class is beneficial to them? So they can be free to report instances of rape or abuse without fear of getting prosecuted themselves?

[ Parent ]

Not good (5.00 / 1) (#92)
by standingup on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:04:23 PM EST

Channel 2, the CBS affiliate in NYC, just announced that according to sources, Spitzer is not expected to continue as Governor. The press conference is beginning to sound more like a resignation.

Just to put in my two cents (5.00 / 1) (#93)
by Edgar08 on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:04:46 PM EST

I hope he doesn't resign.

credit cards----paper trial? (5.00 / 1) (#98)
by NJDem on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:09:07 PM EST

he can't be this dumb! However, it's exactly how Jerry Springer got caught when he was mayor of Cincinnati.

So (5.00 / 5) (#104)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:12:23 PM EST

So politicians are arrested for DUI frequently and keep their jobs. Driving drunk is dangerous to others, could potentially kill innocent parties. But no resignation required.

However, if you have sex with a prostitute? Gotta resign. It's a CRIME.

Sorry, but that's bullcrap. Talk about double-standards.

: Double-standards..... (5.00 / 1) (#220)
by kdog on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 05:07:36 PM EST

Here's Eliot Spitzer, as prosecutor, AG, and governor party to the prosecution of untold charges of prostitution, getting in front of a mic today and calling his patronizing of prostitutes a private matter. What nerve.
F*ck him...he's a crooked walking jive talking double standard.

[ Parent ]

I don't understand this 2nd paragraph (5.00 / 1) (#119)
by BarnBabe on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:23:38 PM EST

Prosecutors said the defendants arranged connections between wealthy men and more than 50 prostitutes in New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Miami, London and Paris.

The Times reported that the governor's travel records show he was in Washington in mid-February, and that one of the clients arranged to meet with a prostitute on the night of Feb. 13.

I know, I can read but the last sentence is vague on who is the client, etc. And wow, this sure was recent. Feb 13th?

: Yes, that recent (none / 0) (#155)
by litigatormom on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:37:42 PM EST

He was in DC, set to testify before Congress the next day. Supposedly he had the "service" send someone from NY to DC to meet him.

[ Parent ]

As AG, Spitzer worked hard on privacy rights. (5.00 / 1) (#134)
by oculus on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:29:27 PM EST

Quite ironic the federal government's e-mail captures burned him.

"His wife is by his side." (5.00 / 2) (#140)
by oculus on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:31:52 PM EST

Once, just once, will a politician's wife say, "you're on your own this time."

no. (none / 0) (#149)
by scribe on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:33:52 PM EST

Good point (none / 0) (#159)
by Socraticsilence on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:39:34 PM EST

Agreed, it would be even better if it happened at the press conference-- just a walk off, or a yell out, honestly the absolute perfect record is a bit unnerving.

[ Parent ]

The one who I couldn't believe (none / 0) (#173)
by litigatormom on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:47:22 PM EST

stood "at his side" was Dina McGreevey. Throughout McGreevey's speech, I thought he was going to announce that he was resigning because he was ill. When he announced he was a "gay American," I didn't understand why he was making a speech about it -- the part about him putting his boyfriend in a high-paying state job wasn't in the speech.

But there was Dina McGreevey, standing next to him, trying to smile.

The only way I could get through something like that would be through the use of serious drugs. Which I wouldn't take. Which means I wouldn't be there.

[ Parent ]

: she said later (none / 0) (#191)
by SarahinCA on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 03:02:44 PM EST

that she was so stunned, they told her about it about 5 mins before going on stage, and she doesn't even remember much of the press conference, because, she was utterly stunned. They managed to push her out there because they ambushed her with it right beforehand.

[ Parent ]

Hmmm, did they have a warrant for that wiretap? (5.00 / 1) (#180)
by ineedalife on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 02:52:22 PM EST

And are they going to release the complete client list? AT $5500 per hour you know alot of interesting names are in there. Or are they only going to release the Democrats?

We know the plan was to have a witchhunt summer for Democrats from the Atty General firing scandal. I predict there will be a high profile Dem per month so that the Republicans can paint them as the decadent, corupt party in relataliation for 2006.

Jeff Toobin opining on his law school (5.00 / 1) (#196)
by oculus on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 03:07:39 PM EST

slassmate Spitzer. Thanks, Jeff. See you at the reunion.

I can't load that page... (none / 0) (#1)
by Maria Garcia on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:25:03 PM EST

..the server is too busy. Is this story anywhere else?

Yahoo news AP (5.00 / 1) (#5)
by BarnBabe on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:28:06 PM EST

That is where I saw it.

[ Parent ]

Here's a post on the initial bust (5.00 / 1) (#17)
by scribe on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 01:34:11 PM EST

from last week.

[ Parent ]

: Thanks all for the links. nt (

NY Gov. Eliot Spitzer Linked to Prostitution Ring

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