U.S. Common Sense

Was it Love Potion #9 that led to New York Governor Eliot Spitzer to become Client #9? We don’t know yet, but if actions were to speak louder than words, then his press conference earlier today would lead you to believing that the rumors are true. Standing in front of the mic, Gov. Spitzer said, “I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family and violates my, or any, sense of right and wrong.” With his wife standing by his side, staring constantly at the ground, his brief announcement was given without an opportunity of questions being given by the press, leaving many to wonder if/when he would resign.

We can assume that he won’t resign because it can be used as a bargaining chip at the moment to avoid indictment. His name is tied with an on going Federal wiretap into a high-class prostitution ring where the clients can pay up to $5000 per hour for a single session. According to testimony by one of the employees, Gov. Spitzer supposively sought services both the day before and day of Valentines Day … a day where most people reserve to spend time with their special loved ones.

So what happens now? Gov. Spitzer can probably secure a deal with the authorities to avoid jail time and resign within a week. This leaves the position open for Lt. Gov. David Paterson to take over until either a special election occurs or until the end of Gov. Spitzers term comes to an end. From that point on, Gov. Spitzer’s political career will be all but over. He will be viewed as damaged goods and no longer electable, especially since he rode into the office as a no-nonsense crime fighter trying to clean up the state of corruption. For failing to meet even his own standards, there will be no way to run away from it during a future campaign.

So this leaves us with one question: Why do politicians think they can get away with such activities? They are in even more public spotlight than anyone else, especially since all of their activities and calls are monitored by numerous watch groups. Additionally, there are always opportunists who have nothing to lose that are willing to gain their 15 minutes of fame in the hopes of a big payoff in the end. So please, if you are thinking about running for office, keep your pants zipped. And if you are already in office, do us all a favor and not run for re-election. You will be doing everyone (except for the tabloids) a big favor.

For some additional reading, check out these sites:
Market Watch - “Spitzer apologizes to family, public; future uncertain”
Yahoo News - “Spitzer, Clinton and an Ouch Moment”
The Village Voice - “When Will Spitzer Finally Pull Out?”
The Wall Street Journal - “Eliot Spitzer’s Life and Career”
Washington Post - “Spitzer Apologizes, Does Not Resign”

For some additional reading across the web, check out these blogs:
The Liberal Journal - “Spitzer Scandal”
Our World As We See It - “Fox News That N.Y. Gov. Eliot Spitzer Will Be Indicted, Resign Over Involvement In Prostitution Ring”
Polisicks - “NY. Gov. Spitzer Linked to Prostitution Ring; No Need for Witty Joke”
Copius Dissent - “Spitzer Screwed Hillary Again…”
A Nuyorican Vision - “Will Spitzer Resign?”