New York Governor Eliot Spitzer announced today that he would be officially resigning after being embroiled in a prostitution ring scandal. With his wife Silda Spitzer by his side, Eliot Spitzer apologized to the people of New York for his improper conduct. He cited his belief that "people regardless of their position or power take responsibility for their conduct..." as the reason for stepping down from office. On Monday, David Paterson, the lieutenant governor of New York, will assume the position, making the first black governor of New York and the first blind governor in history.
Had he not resigned, the minority leader of the New York State Assembly would have filed impeachment papers against him on either Thursday or Friday.
Before leaving the press conference, Eliot Spitzer also announced his departure from politics overall.
Eliot Spitzer is the first governor of New York to resign since 1973, and the first one forced out of office since 1913.
Here is an excerpt of Eliot Spitzer's official resignation statement:
"In the past few days I have begun to atone for my private failings with my wife, Silda, my children, and my entire family. The remorse I feel will always be with me. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for the love and compassion they have shown me. 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 the people of New York, and the chance to lead this state. I am deeply sorry that I did not live up to what was expected of me. To every New Yorker, and to all those who believed in what I tried to stand for, I sincerely apologize."
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