By DPA
Washington : New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer announced Wednesday that he was resigning after federal investigators linked him to a prostitution ring.
“There is much more to be done and I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt my public work,” Spitzer said.
“For this reason, I am resigning from the office of governor,” Spitzer said in a press conference in New York.
Spitzer’s resignation will be effective Monday and he will be replaced by Lieutenant Governor David Paterson.
Spitzer’s resignation was a shocker because of his long reputation for being ethical and his career spent going after corporate corruption and prostitution rings.
“I am deeply sorry I did not live up what was expected of me,” he said.
The news that Spitzer, a Democrat, was caught on a federal wiretap arranging to meet with a high-priced prostitute in a hotel in Washington last month was first reported by The New York Times Monday. Hours later Spitzer acknowledged wrongdoing but signalled he intended to keep his job.
“My heart goes out to his wife and to his family at this time. He must deal with his own problems in his own way but it is now time for us to move forward,” said Joe Bruno, the Republican majority leader in the New York State Senate.
The governor informed senior aides of his involvement in the ring after being told of the investigation by federal officials Friday.
Spitzer is married and has three children. He wife of 21 years, Silda, stood beside him at the news conference.
Spitzer was elected governor in 2006 and prior to that was the state’s top prosecutor. He had a reputation as a tough lawman.