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Mar 11, 2008 5:58 am US/Eastern
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New Yorkers Feeling Betrayed By Spitzer
To Some, Breaking Laws Bigger Than Scandalous Infidelity
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
The Gov. Eliot Spitzer bombshell is the talk of the town.
On the streets of New York City, the "R" word -- resign -- is circulating.
Spitzer was not expected to continue as governor and may resign by Monday evening, sources told CBS 2 HD, after it was reported that he was linked to a high-price call-girl ring.
Most people who heard the news were surprised, but there were varied reactions to the news as we know it. When asked in a wcbstv.com poll whether Spitzer should resign, 84 percent said yes.
"I think he really has compromised himself and disgraced himself. And he shouldn't be governor." said New Yorker Colleen Kravatch.
Another New Yorker disagreed: "I don't think he should resign. He was elected to do the job, and he should work out his personal life between himself and his wife. Nothing surprises me; I was joking that maybe his wife will run for president in four years."
Reliable sources told CBS 2 HD political reporter Marcia Kramer that Lt. Gov. David Paterson could be sworn in as governor as early as 7 p.m. Monday.
"It's bizarre, my friend," Richmond Shepard said. "As we say in northeast, it's wicked weird."
"It's consistent with his current level of arrogance," another added.
The news sets off one of the largest scandals in modern New York state political history.
During a news conference Monday afternoon, Spitzer, 48, apologized to his family and the public, but did not go as far as to explain why.
"I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family and violates my sense of right and wrong," he said in a brief statement. "I have disappointed and failed to live up to the standard I expected of myself.
"I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family," he said alongside his wife, Silda Wall Spitzer, who was visibly upset as he spoke.
For a man who was called "Sheriff of Wall Street," a gunslinger who brought down the mighty, this is an incredible moment in New York politics.
"In the words of Woody Allen, 'I'm stunned,' Shepard said. "One never knows in politics, do one?"
"Well it's terrible, but you don't know all the details so you can't make a snap judgment," one woman said. "
Others said the prostitution part is shameful but not worthy of his resignation.
"John F Kennedy had Marilyn, Bobby Kennedy had Marilyn. Eisenhower had Kay Summersby. Gary Hart had a woman," Alan Licherman said.
Spitzer, who called it a private matter, came to Albany as a self-described steamroller. Now he may get run over by himself. What should he do about his future?
"Well, he should have resigned after he took the job," Licherman said.
"If he was as a John, forget about it," Shepard said. "If he was involved in criminal operation he has to resign."
Monday's developments constitute a stunning fall from grace for a governor who'd based his political career on his integrity.
Spitzer spent two terms as attorney general. During that time, he made headlines with a series of criminal and civil cases against Wall Street and corporate figures.
Those actions resulted in Time magazine naming him "Crusader of the Year."
In 2004, Spitzer took part in an investigation into a New York City-based escort service. Eighteen people were charged with promoting prostitution and related charges.
Spitzer is a Harvard Law School graduate. He married Silda Wall Spitzer in 1987 and has three daughters.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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