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Scandal-hit NY governor resigns Scandal-hit NY governor resigns
(30 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.
Mr Spitzer, a leading Democrat, told a crowded news conference: "I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the public's work." Flanked by his wife, 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, he once again apologised for what he called his unacceptable behaviour. He once again apologised for failing to live up to the standards he demanded of others - but he gave no details.
He was allegedly identified by federal agents 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 family Allegations based on law enforcement sources quoted by Associated Press and New York Times Profile: Eliot SpitzerWashington diary: NY scandalQ&A: Spitzer scandal 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 MarSpitzer 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". 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.
But two days ago he found himself saying: "I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family and violates my - or any - sense of right or wrong." 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."
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."
Mr Spitzer, 48, is married with three teenage girls.Mr Spitzer, 48, is married with three teenage girls.
Power will pass to his deputy, Lieutenant-Governor David Paterson, who will become New York's first black governor. class="lp" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/default.stm">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, USA class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?forumID=4461">Send us your comments
Mr Spitzer was elected state governor in November 2006 after serving as New York's attorney-general. He is a leading supporter of Senator Hillary Clinton in her battle against Senator Barack Obama to become the party's candidate for president.
A Democrat, 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 news of his alleged involvement in the prostitution ring broke.
Mr Spitzer has been under pressure to resign since news of his alleged involvement in the prostitution ring broke.
A wiretap found a client later identified as him making arrangements to meet a $1,000-an-hour prostitute named Kristen.A wiretap found a client later identified as him making arrangements to meet a $1,000-an-hour prostitute named Kristen.
Reports say he paid more than $4,000 for her services.Reports say he paid more than $4,000 for her services.
In the statement, Mr Spitzer made no reference to reports of a possible plea bargain to avoid charges connected with his alleged use of prostitutes.
He left the podium without taking questions from waiting journalists.
Mr Spitzer said he would hand over power on March 17 to his deputy, Lieutenant-Governor David Paterson, who will become New York's first black governor.