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Scandal-hit NY governor resigns Scandal-hit NY governor resigns
(9 minutes later)
New York Governor Eliot Spitzer has resigned, after being linked to a prostitution ring.New York Governor Eliot Spitzer has resigned, after being linked to a prostitution ring.
Flanked by his wife Silda, Mr Spitzer, a leading Democrat, told a news conference: "I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the people's work."Flanked by his wife Silda, Mr Spitzer, a leading Democrat, told a news conference: "I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the people's work."
He once again apologised for failing to live up to the standards he demanded of others - but he gave no details.He once again apologised for failing to live up to the standards he demanded of others - but he gave no details.
Mr Spitzer had allegedly been identified arranging to meet a prostitute in a Washington hotel.Mr Spitzer had allegedly been identified arranging to meet a prostitute in a Washington hotel.
Mr Spitzer made his name as an investigator of organised crime, financial crime and prostitution.Mr Spitzer made his name as an investigator of organised crime, financial crime and prostitution.
SPITZER SCANDAL TIMELINE 2007 Internal Revenue Service reportedly begins investigating Eliot Spitzer, after banks report suspicious transfers12-13 Feb, 2008 Spitzer allegedly heard on federal wiretap arranging to meet woman at Washington hotel13 Feb Spitzer allegedly rents room for "Kristen" at Mayflower Hotel and sneaks past his police guard to meet her6 Mar Four other people charged with operating prostitution ring11 Mar NY Times breaks story, saying Spitzer has called aides to emergency meeting; Spitzer tells press conference he has let down his family12 Mar Spitzer announces resignation Allegations based on law enforcement sources quoted by Associated Press and New York Times Profile: Eliot SpitzerWashington diary: NY scandalQ&A: Spitzer scandalSPITZER SCANDAL TIMELINE 2007 Internal Revenue Service reportedly begins investigating Eliot Spitzer, after banks report suspicious transfers12-13 Feb, 2008 Spitzer allegedly heard on federal wiretap arranging to meet woman at Washington hotel13 Feb Spitzer allegedly rents room for "Kristen" at Mayflower Hotel and sneaks past his police guard to meet her6 Mar Four other people charged with operating prostitution ring11 Mar NY Times breaks story, saying Spitzer has called aides to emergency meeting; Spitzer tells press conference he has let down his family12 Mar Spitzer announces resignation Allegations based on law enforcement sources quoted by Associated Press and New York Times Profile: Eliot SpitzerWashington diary: NY scandalQ&A: Spitzer scandal
At one point he was known as the "Sheriff of Wall Street", and his fall from political grace is being seen as one of the biggest New York has known.At one point he was known as the "Sheriff of Wall Street", and his fall from political grace is being seen as one of the biggest New York has known.
In a brief resignation statement, he said: "Over the course of my public life I have insisted, I believe correctly, that people regardless of their position or power take responsibility for their conduct.In a brief resignation statement, he said: "Over the course of my public life I have insisted, I believe correctly, that people regardless of their position or power take responsibility for their conduct.
"I can and will ask no less of myself.""I can and will ask no less of myself."
He added: "I go forward with the belief, as others have said, that as human beings our greatest glory consists not in never falling but in rising every time we fall."He added: "I go forward with the belief, as others have said, that as human beings our greatest glory consists not in never falling but in rising every time we fall."
And he said he would continue to try to serve society - but outside public life.And he said he would continue to try to serve society - but outside public life.
Mr Spitzer, 48, is married with three teenage girls.Mr Spitzer, 48, is married with three teenage girls.
HAVE YOUR SAYWhen you make yourself out to be Mr Morality you fall harder than the rest. We all make mistakes. Jesse, New York, NY, USASend us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAYWhen you make yourself out to be Mr Morality you fall harder than the rest. We all make mistakes. Jesse, New York, NY, USASend us your comments
He is a leading supporter of Senator Hillary Clinton in her battle against Senator Barack Obama to become the party's candidate for president.He is a leading supporter of Senator Hillary Clinton in her battle against Senator Barack Obama to become the party's candidate for president.
Mr Spitzer had been under pressure to resign since allegations that he used a high-priced prostitution service emerged on Tuesday. Mr Spitzer had been under pressure to resign since allegations that he used a high-priced prostitution service emerged on Monday.
Federal authorities noted unusual movements from his bank accounts, which they linked to a front company associated with the ring.Federal authorities noted unusual movements from his bank accounts, which they linked to a front company associated with the ring.
Mr Spitzer's deputy, David Paterson, will succeed him on 17 March
He is reported to have paid thousands of dollars over 18 months to the ring.He is reported to have paid thousands of dollars over 18 months to the ring.
A wiretap found a client, later allegedly identified as the governor, arranging to meet a $1,000-an-hour prostitute named Kristen.A wiretap found a client, later allegedly identified as the governor, arranging to meet a $1,000-an-hour prostitute named Kristen.
Mr Spitzer's deputy, David Paterson, will succeed him on 17 March
Reports say he paid more than $4,000 for her services.Reports say he paid more than $4,000 for her services.
The BBC's Laura Trevelyan in New York says he could now be accused of breaking banking laws - but in his statement, Mr Spitzer made no reference to this or to a possible plea bargain.The BBC's Laura Trevelyan in New York says he could now be accused of breaking banking laws - but in his statement, Mr Spitzer made no reference to this or to a possible plea bargain.
He left the podium without taking questions from journalists.He left the podium without taking questions from journalists.
Mr Spitzer said he would hand over power on 17 March to his deputy, Lieutenant-Governor David Paterson, who will become New York's first black governor, as well as its first blind governor.Mr Spitzer said he would hand over power on 17 March to his deputy, Lieutenant-Governor David Paterson, who will become New York's first black governor, as well as its first blind governor.