New York Governor Elliott Spitzer Resigns from Office

He began, "In the past few days I have begun to atone for my private failings...."

LOS ANGELES (Catholic Online) - At approximately 11:45 A.M., Wednesday, March 12, 2008, Governor Elliott Spitzer entered a crowded room to address the Press.

Rumors had been circulating for hours that he was there to resign his office.

He stepped up to the microphone and spoke for 2 minutes and 40 seconds.

He was preceded into the Press conference by his lawyers and some members of his support staff. He was accompanied by his wife of 21 years, Silda, who stood at his side.

He began, "In the past few days I have begun to atone for my private failings...."

In brief, articulate and carefully worded comments to the Press, he mentioned absolutely no specifics of his "failings".

However, he did acknowledge having committed some and paraphrasing the words of the Bible also acknowledged the gravity of his situation: "From those to whom much is given much is expected."

He apologized to his family, to all New Yorkers and then announced that he could not allow his private failings to "disrupt the people's business". So, as was expected, he resigned from his position as Governor of the State of New York.

The events which gave rise to this resignation have filled news papers and news programs for the last two days. The Governor was caught in a wiretap operation which was a part of an ongoing sting operation. Initially it appeared that he had had one dalliance with a prostitute in Washington, D.C.

However, the salacious details became revealed in a Press feeding frenzy, it became clear that it was much more than one act of immoral conduct and illegal conduct.

This one event was a part of a pattern of his having regularly solicited high price prostitutes. the behavior occurred throughout years of his public service, perhaps even while he was prosecuting others for similar behavior.

It also involved an elaborate use of shell businesses and the expenditure of $80,000 dollars.

The Governor indicated in his comments that his resignation, at the request of the Lieutenant Governor, who will assume office as soon as it is vacated, will take effect on Monday March 17, 2008.

He concluded with these words "...the greatest glory is not in never failing but in rising to serve again."

Soon to be former Governor Elliott Spitzer made it clear in his comments that his days in public service are over. He acknowledged that his immediate plans were to work on healing the wounds to his family caused by his failure. However, he did indicate his hopes to once again "serve the common good."

Then,accompanied by his wife, Silda, he quickly left the room through the same door, taking no questions.

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