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Catching Up on Day Three of Hookergate

Jen Chung

Published Mar 12, 2008

Modified Mar 13, 2008

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Jen Chung

Published Mar 12, 2008

Modified Mar 13, 2008

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Photograph of Eliot Spitzer being sworn in as Governor on January 1, 2007, with wife Silda Wall Spitzer looking on

Well, today was quite a day, with Governor Spitzer's resignation bookended by more details about why the authorities were drawn to his activities with prostitutes - banks were alerted because of cash transactions! - and the revelation of who his expensive hooker "Kristen" actually was - a 22-year-old Jersey girl named Ashley. Here are some other interesting tidbits:

Client No. 6 may be the richest man in England, the Duke of Westminster, Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, who has a history of soliciting prostitutes. He's good friends with Prince Charles, he's Prince William's godfather, and he too wanted unprotected sex with a hooker.
The Daily News has details on some of the other clients, including Client 4 who thought he could pass off the cost as a "business expense."
Spitzer went to the Mayflower's hotel bar in search of a classical music CD. The Post suggest he was trying to set the mood with "Kristen."
It's still unclear where Spitzer's state police were during the tryst, but a former state trooper, Assemblyman David Townshend, told the Times, "You have to balance security and privacy...Troopers are in a paramilitary organization, which means they are trained to take orders. If the governor told them to get lost because he wanted some privacy, they aren’t going to disobey that order or they might end up in worse trouble.”
Spitzer really doesn't need to work - he made $1.9 million, mostly off of income from rentals (from his developer dad), in 2006.
He has not made a deal with the US Attorney's office for potential crimes he could be charged with, and he could also face solicitation charges in D.C. as well as being disbarred.
A doctor suggests that Silda Wall Spitzer should be tested for STDs, since Spitzer apparently wanted oral sex without a condom; the governor was described as perhaps wanting "unsafe" things from prostitutes.

Various politicians and notable figures made statements about the incident. Here's the roundup:

Senator Hillary Clinton:

“I’m deeply saddened by this turn of events and my thoughts are with Governor Spitzer’s family during this painful time. I would also like to express my support for Lt. Governor David Paterson. I look forward to continuing to work with him on behalf of the people of New York. David has overcome every obstacle and broken every barrier in his path and I know that he’ll continue to display that leadership and determination as governor."

Mayor Bloomberg:

"My thoughts are with the governor and his family at this difficult time and I think what we have to do now is to move forward. The state has to have an effective government and they will be effective."

Senator Chuck Schumer:

"My sympathies go out to Governor Spitzer and his family. He certainly did the right thing by stepping aside and I wish him and his family well. Lieutenant Governor Paterson and I spoke this morning and I pledged my full support and cooperation. David Paterson will be a first-rate governor and he has my full confidence. He is smart, brings people of differing views and backgrounds together, and has always grown in every job he has served. I will enthusiastically do everything I can to help and make his tenure as governor a success."

Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, who had threatened to impeach Spitzer if he didn't resign quickly:

"David Paterson’s life story is, in a word, inspirational. His public record is one of overcoming obstacles, showing true character in the face of daunting adversity and being able to bridge Albany’s bitter partisan divide that has, regrettably, widened into a chasm in recent years.

“Gov. Paterson knows the meaning of honor and has shown in both his deeds and words that he is a man of the highest public and personal integrity. His inherent decency and desire to put advancing the interests of the 18 and a half million New Yorkers we represent ahead of political partisanship will truly be a breath of fresh air.”

Reverend Al Sharpton:

"I spoke twice today with David Paterson to recommit to our continued prayer for him and his family, as well as for the Spitzer family. David and I have worked together for a long time and since we are months apart, he, Congressman Greg Meeks, and I, used to sit together monthly, planning where we wanted to go in life. We always thought David would be our generation’s “Dave Dinkins.”

"We never imagined he would be Governor, but we are sure he can more than rise to the occasion. I hasten to say, as I said to David, that he is now the Governor for all New Yorkers, not just Black New Yorkers, and he has proven his ability to serve all. His first challenge will be to heal a State that is in pain and shame, and to continue to govern in a way fair to all. We must all pledge to work with him in those efforts."

Attorney General Andrew Cuomo:

"My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Spitzer family as they cope with this personal tragedy. Obviously, this is an extraordinarily difficult time for the family and for the entire state of New York. David Paterson, who has years of experience in state government, is a talented leader, a wonderful man, and a great friend. I look forward to working closely with Governor Paterson as he leads us forward. New York State faces many challenges and we have much work to do. Let us all work together, with a shared purpose, to make New York better for all its citizens."

NY State Democrats:

"The New York State Democratic Party looks forward to Working with Governor Paterson to move forward with an agenda for change."
"Over twenty three years in public life David has distinguished himself as a bridge builder, a conciliator and a voice for progressive values. He will be a Governor for all New Yorkers and a great leader of the Democratic Party."

"In the coming weeks and months we plan to work closely with him and Democrats across New York to continue to make progress on the issues that matter for working families.

Our thoughts are with the Spitzer family during this difficult time."

Representative Nita Lowey:

"My thoughts and prayers remain with the Spitzer family during this difficult time. David Paterson is a hard-working, intelligent, and dedicated public servant and I am confident that he will perform admirably as Governor. New York’s elected officials must now work together with Lieutenant Governor Paterson to ensure that this transition is as smooth as possible and to continue fighting for New York’s families."

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli:

Now that Governor Spitzer has announced his resignation, we should respect the Spitzer family’s privacy during this very difficult time.

New York is facing some serious challenges, especially with regard to the state’s finances. Fortunately, David Paterson is more than ready to step into the Governor’s office. He has the experience and the talent to lead New York.

When I took office last year under difficult circumstances, I made it my priority to restore ethics and integrity to the Office of the State Comptroller. Now, elected officials need to step up even more. The public trust has been violated yet again. Everyone in public office must work to the repair that trust and restore the people’s confidence in their government.

Our state needs stability and strong, ethical leadership. Governor Paterson will provide that leadership in the days and years ahead. As State Comptroller, I pledge the full resources of my office to provide any assistance Governor Paterson needs as he transitions into the Governor’s office."

Roger Stone, GOP operative, suspected of leaving a rude message on Spitzer's father's voicemail:

My heart goes out to Mrs. Spitzer and the Governor's family at this time of tragedy.

In summary, it was less than 48 hours between the time Eliot Spitzer implied reports he was a frequent customer of an international prostitution ring and the time first-term governor announced his resignation. Lieutenant Governor David A. Paterson asked for the resignation to be effective Monday (for transition) and he will become the fourth black governor in American history and the first legally blind governor ever.

Spitzer's resignation means that each state in the tri-state area has seen its governor resign due to scandal in the past five years. A sorry tri-state of affairs.

Tagged

client 9

David Patterson

eliot spitzer

Emperors Club

Governor Spitzer

hookergate

Kristen

resignation

Spitzer resgination reaction

Jen Chung

Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

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