Governor Eliot Spitzer Involved With Prostitute

New York Governor Eliot Spitzer has publicly apologized for acting inappropriately, but has not specify the actions. From VOA's New York Bureau, correspondent Barbara Schoetzau reports the Governor's comments follow a New York Times article linking him to a prostitution ring.

Last week, federal prosecutors in New York charged four people with running a high priced prostitution ring that catered to wealthy American and European clients. Some of the prostitutes charged as much as $5,500 per hour and their bodies could be viewed on the Internet in advance.

Now the New York Times is reporting that prosecutors have a wiretap of Governor Spitzer making arrangements with a prostitute. In a brief statement, Spitzer neither confirmed nor denied the report, referring only to a "private matter."

"I have acted in a way that violated my obligations to my family and violated my or any sense of right and wrong. I apologize first, and most importantly, to my family. I apologize to the public whom I promised better," he said.

New Yorkers and political observers were stunned by the news. Spitzer, a Democrat, swept into office as governor in 2006 after eight years as a crime busting, headline winning attorney general, taking on organized crime, white collar crime on Wall Street and also prostitution rings. He was known as "Mr. Clean," but was also sometimes criticized as self-righteous and moralistic. As governor, he has had a contentious relationship with the Republican-led State Senate and has had to back down on several proposals.

Eliot Spitzer is married with three children.

Eliot Spitzer's Statement on This Matter

Over the past nine years, eight as Attorney General and one as Governor, I have tried to uphold a vision of progressive politics that will rebuild New York and create opportunity for all. We sought to bring real change to New York, and that will continue.

Today I want to briefly address a private matter. I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family, and violates my -- or any -- sense of right and wrong. I apologize first and most importantly to my family. I apologize to the public, whom I promised better. I do not believe that politics in the long run is about individuals. It is about ideas, the public good and doing what’s best for the state of New York.

I have disappointed and failed to live up to the standard I expected of myself. I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family. I will report back to you in short order.