"Shtupergate" is over. Eliot Spitzer resigns

No, I can't take credit for that word in the title. I wish I could, but that belongs to Flip at Suitably Flip. But yes, the long nightmare of Eliot Spitzer's governorship is over:

Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned in disgrace Wednesday after getting caught in a call-girl scandal that shattered his corruption-fighting, straight-arrow image, saying: "I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the people's work."

Spitzer made the announcement without having finalized a plea deal with federal prosecutors, though a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation said he is believed to still be negotiating one. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case.
"Over the course of my public life, I've insisted, I think correctly, that people regardless of their position or power take responsibility for their conduct. I can and will ask no less of myself," Spitzer said at a Manhattan news conference with his wife, Silda, at his side. He left without answering questions.

Spitzer will be replaced on Monday by Lt. Gov. David Paterson, who becomes New York's first black governor. He also will be the state's first legally blind governor and its first disabled governor since Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Paterson issued a statement in which he said he was saddened, but would move forward. "It is now time for Albany to get back to work as the people of this state expect from us," he said.

First off, why Monday? A lot are speculating that it's his chance to still work out a plea deal. Not so says incoming governor David Paterson. His office has said they need the extra time for a smooth transition. Second, again his wife was standing by his side when he made this announcement. If anyone thinks this is "stand-by-your-man" time, forget it says the New York Sun:

A source close to the governor said Mr. Spitzer and his wife of 20 years, Silda Wall, have spent the day in separate rooms in their apartment. They have emerged from their locations to speak jointly with Mr. Spitzer's lawyers.

"She doesn't want to look at him, and he doesn't want to bear the look that she gives when she does look at him," the source said.

And can you blame her? The New York Post revealed yesterday that his trysts have been going on for over a decade with more than a couple occurring in other states. She's the victim in this scandal. She was lied to and cheated on for some not-so-cheap thrills by a thuggish politician. (Some have stated that Eliot Spitzer the prosecutor was who Mike Nifong wanted to be.)

This couldn't have happened to a "nicer" guy. His apology doesn't wash, and the idea he's "atoning" for anything is bull. He's only sorry that he got caught, just like any other criminal who apologizes for their crimes. Now the Democrat Speaker of the Assembly, Sheldon Silver has issued a comment that ""I haven't seen him accused of anything. I haven't heard that he's standing accused of a crime or being prosecuted at this time." Uh-huh. Right. And we thought the incoming governor was the blind guy.

While he may not be facing charges at this time those charges will come. He violated The Mann Act, and engaged in an illegal act. Last time we checked, prostitution was legal in only one state, Nevada. So for Mr. Silver to say he hasn't "seen" him accused of anything, were federal investigators looking to him for fun? I think not. They wouldn't do that, but we can't expect Mr. Silver to be anything but a dolt. He is a Democrat, after all.

But to be serious, Spitzer's woes are just starting. In addition to the federal investigators, who are likely to file an indictment, he has to deal with how ticked his wife is. While no one has said there's been an argument between them, or that ashtrays have been thrown, we're pretty sure she didn't have kind words for him, and we can't blame her for being upset. But for him, he's looking at years of ridicule to come, and a possible stretch in a federal prison. Way to go, Eliot. You made a career out of taking down people that didn't always deserve it. And now you've brought yourself down.

Damn, when Democrats shoot themselves in the foot, they don't miss, do they?

Publius II