Spitzer's Big Mess

In breaking news today, the most recent political scandal is upon us.  Eliot Spitzer, governor of NY, has allegedly been linked to a prostitution ring.  The accusations began this morning when Spitzer was reportedly identified as "Client 9" in a federal prostitution case.  The Emperors Club VIP is a high-dollar prostitution ring that Fox News explains the feds have been investigating, making four arrests in connection already.  A prostitute wearing a wiretap recorded conversations with Spitzer arranging a meeting.  According to the affadavit, he paid $4,300 cash for a hooker named 'Kristen.'  Although the information in the court papers are purely alleged at this point, Spitzer has turned to nation's large Manhattan law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind Wharton & Garrison.  

Once the news broke, Spitzer called for an immediate press conference.  Although there has been huge buzz of resignation, Spitzer did not mention stepping down.  In fact, he did not even mention prostitution.  With his wife by his side, Spitzer made an apology to his family and to the public for not living up to his own expectations and then refused to take any questions.    

Does the political madness ever end?!  Being a resident of NY, this is especially relevant and meaningful to me.  Obviously this is shocking and disappointing news, yet on some level how can I be surprised?  The fact that politicians, especially ones with wives and children, think they can get away with is crazy.  Now that this scandal broke, however, it doesn't matter if it's true or if it isn't.  At this point, what matters is how he handles the situation.  

Holding an emergency press conference to address the public was a good move (you can watch Spitzer's statement by going to Foxnews.com).  I believe that the fact that his wife was by his side is good public relations because it shows his family is behind him through this.  The public apology was extremely important, but he did not open up as to what he was apologizing for.  At some point he will need to come out with the whole truth.  Obviously much work is to be done, PR wise, in order to gain back the trust of his family and the population of New York State.  In my opinion, unfortunetly for Spitzer, resignation seems unavoidable.