(NY Gov. Eliot) Spitzer Is Linked to Prostitution Ring

[Skinner]

Source: New York Times

ALBANY - Gov. Eliot Spitzer has informed his most senior administration officials that he had been involved in a prostitution ring, an administration official said this morning.

Mr. Spitzer, who was huddled with his top aides early this afternoon, had hours earlier abruptly canceled his scheduled public events for the day. He is set to make an announcement about 2:15 this afternoon at his Manhattan office.

Mr. Spitzer, a first-term Democrat who pledged to bring ethics reform and end the often seamy ways of Albany, is married with three children.

Just last week, federal prosecutors arrested four people in connection with an expensive prostitution operation. Administration officials would not say that this was the ring with which the governor had become involved.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/10/nyregion/10cnd-spitzer.html

[rox63]

1. Oh shit...

:yoiks:

[JerseygirlCT]

53. My thoughts exactly. nt

[Savannah_H]

431. NY

I think his wife should have let him attend the news conference alone. She looks so angry. Why should she have to endure anymore pain that she already has?

[truebrit71]

2. WTF?

What an IDIOT!

[bjobotts]

274. Bush's surveillance society at work. Listeneing to all dems.

[wpelb]

447. If that's the case

Top Democrats had better be on their toes 24/7. Assuming the charges stick, unless Spitzer can somehow show entrapment, he's going to have a hard time getting off the hook, even if he does prove that the GOP was snooping around into his private affairs.

Even if the Bush administration is not involved, if any prominent Democrat is a supporter of either Sen. Clinton or Sen. Obama, there's bound to be someone in the rival camp who is going to be watching to see the supporter slip and fall.

This may be cannibalism, it may be unfortunate, but it's also a fact of political life (at least for the time being).

[Mooney]

3. Whoa.

I knew he'd never last a full term.

[MADem]

92. Oh, really? Do share your insights.... NT

[mojowork_n]

132. Looks like Wall Street gets its "payback." "Untouchable" Elliott set up?

This is from the original press release, just before Christmas, 2002:

http://www.oag.state.ny.us/press/2002/dec/dec20b_02.html

SEC, NY ATTORNEY GENERAL, NASD, NASAA, NYSE AND STATE REGULATORS ANNOUNCE HISTORIC AGREEMENT TO REFORM INVESTMENT PRACTICES

$1.4 Billion Global Settlement Includes Penalties and Funds for Investors

"This agreement will permanently change the way Wall Street operates," Spitzer said. "Our objective throughout the investigation and negotiations has been to protect the small investor and restore integrity to the marketplace. We are confident that the rules embodied in this agreement will do so. The cooperation among my colleagues at the SEC, NASAA, NYSE and NASD has enabled us to reach this important agreement."

I don't know about any of you, but I'd say 1.4 Billion, not to mention permanently chang{ing} the way Wall Street operates... to protect the small investor and restore integrity to the marketplace... anyone getting involved in that sort of activity is going to make some powerful enemies.

Who knows what lengths they'd go to, to get their revenge?

Edit Afterthought: I've absolutely no evidence of any plot or conspiracy, or any idea how someone might have gone about the business of setting him up. (Apparently, it took a while to properly chill the dish, to serve the meal, "cold."), I'm just saying it could well have gone down that way. Big ears and a receding hair line, I'm wondering if the governor isn't really kicking himself for that one time he "got so incredibly lucky, and no one was ever going to find out." There's going to be a press conference shortly, maybe there's going to be something substantial there.

[Johnny Battleground]

270. Set Up?

If he had a damn set of morals he'd never have fallen into any trap.
Jerk.
The only good thing about this is it's 8 months before the election.
His ass will be gone, history, and the new will have moved onto something else, unless perhaps if they decide to throw the library at him.

[mojowork_n]

303. That's exactly the point.

As he showed in taking on the rip-off artists from Wall Street, and in busting other prostitution rings -- and possibly, in his actions today, acknowledging to his staff that he'd gotten mixed up with the wrong crowd, and was prepared to resign -- Spitzer has demonstrated rather consistent evidence of having "morals".

I was just trying to put 2 and 2 together, from across both sides of the equation.

He looks like he's "guilty" on the basis of having dialed the wrong phone number. One that was tapped by the feds. It's not 100% clear, at this point, whether he even unzipped his pants, but given his actions today, let's assume he did meet the woman -- in room 871.

This is from the Huffington Post:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/10/spitzer-prostitution-scan_n_90766.html

The man described as Client 9 in court papers arranged to meet with a prostitute who was part of the ring, Emperors Club VIP, on the night of Feb. 13. Mr. Spitzer traveled to Washington that evening, according to a person told of his travel arrangements.

The affidavit says that Client 9 met with the woman in hotel room 871 but does not identify the hotel. Mr. Spitzer stayed at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington on Feb. 13, according to a source who was told of his travel arrangements. Room 871 at the Mayflower Hotel that evening was registered under the another name.


Based on that, it's not at all clear Spitzer paid for the extra room.

In fact, it's not even clear that he knew his liason was with a prostitute.

Maybe he just met a pretty girl, and she gave him a phone number.

He dialed it, thinking it was her "office", or something.

He ended up in what he thought was "her" hotel room.

I'm not saying it's the most likely explanation, but it could be a clever twist or two removed from the real truth.

There are pictures of the Emperor's Club ladies at another HuffPo link.

None of them appear to be candidates for that upcoming MSNBC special on Eastern European women who signed up for waitress, or au pair jobs, and then found out differently. Or for that matter, they don't much look like any of the ladies from any of the HBO "specials" on the same topic.

So, I wasn't surprised to see this roar of approval, one of many anonymous blogger's "comments" from an article posted on The Atlantic website:

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/03/spitzer_is_the_story_of_the_da.php

Bravo to IDIOT SPITZER!

You found a way to make Wall Street ROAR!

There should be a blowout party in New York tonight that makes the Superbowl Giants celebration pale in comparison.

They should call the party SUPERBLOW!

Posted by WALL STREET ROARS! March 10, 2008 4:30 PM

[Acadia Blue]

426. The Wall Street white collar mafia and Bushco hit Elliot

[Mooney]

158. He was completely hated by the Wall Street community

and the entire state GOP. His days were numbered, even if he had kept his nose clean.

[MADem]

186. Well, his statement didn't include a resignation. I think he's trying to ride it out.

He may yet last that full term. He's Harvard Law trained, after all.

[Mooney]

207. They just said on the local news here

that he's "not expected to continue" as governor. I mean, you never know, but that doesn't sound like he plans to finish out his term. They haven't been very specific about what he actually did, but they keep emphasizing that he was "involved in a prostitution ring," not that he patronized prostitutes. If that's the case, I don't know if it's possible to ride it out.

[MADem]

210. He was a CLIENT, a john. He isn't under indictment, and there is no indictment under seal

per the news reports, anyway....

[Shakespeare]

215. It appears he crossed state lines, which would make him prosecutable under the Mann Act.

He may yet be indicted, but there's no way to know whether the feds are going to make him an example.

[MADem]

256. No, the Mann act involves transporting a 'prostitute' across state lines for purposes, etc....

Not a CUSTOMER. You can travel to any state in the union and fuck anyone you want. The Mann Act applies to transporting the hookers, not the actions of the johns.

And if a hooker was "flown in" for a night of fun, THAT would be the problem of the procurER, the VIP Club, there, not the procurEE. Elliot didn't pick her up in his car and drive her from VA or MD to the Mayflower, and then do the nasty.

The VIP Club did the transporting, not the customer.

That's a stretch. It won't fly.

He can be bagged for screwing a prostitute, ostensibly, but how often have we seen convictions on that score? It WILL be perceived as "selective prosecution." About the only thing that will make him leave are calls from fellow Democrats, and a shitstorm that follows this business.

[Shakespeare]

268. You misunderstand. HE transported her.

He took her with him from NYC to DC.

My original point (and the point they're hammering on at every news outlet) still stands.

[MADem]

437. That isn't what the papers at SMOKINGGUN.COM say

They say he met her in room eight hundred something of the Mayflower Hotel.

He transported his OWN ass down there, to appear on a CNBC live shot.

[pnwmom]

220. Fox news, via the Huff Post, reports that he has been indicted.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/10/spitzer-prostitution-scan_n_90766.html

UPDATE: Fox News reports based on two sources, "including one involved in the investigation itself," that Spitzer "has been indicted regarding acts committed in the District of Columbia." Also, New York's WNBC is reporting that federal investigators may have text messages from Spitzer arranging a meeting with the Emperor's Club.

[MADem]

243. CNN and CBS say the opposite. Frankly, if they didn't indict Vitter, they shouldn't indict Spitzer.

Going after a john is a bit ... silly. It's also "selective prosecution" seeing as they've let a number of other high profile clients walk....Senator "Diapers" Vitter, anyone?

It is funny, though, how the most putatively MORAL of these gents always seem to be caught with their wandering dicks out, and feet of clay.

But who knows, really what the truth is? Indicted? Not indicted? Resigning? Not resigning?

I have no inside information either way.

If he rides it out, it will be an act of supreme chutzpah. He might be trying to establish if there actually IS a sealed indictment, because there apparently isn't an unsealed one--otherwise there wouldn't be any debate on that score.

[troubleinwinter]

287. "Going after a john is a bit...silly." Then going after hookers is silly. "selective prosecution".

[MADem]

449. I agree. They aren't going to stop the "profession." Much as they try.

I say tax the shit out of it, regulate it, unionize it, and medically test it. If enough people start paying for it, maybe those tax revenues will bring down the debt.

The Nevada models are useful. So are some of the European ones. Of course, some people like the illicit nature of it all. If it becomes as pedestrian as buying a newspaper, it might just take the fun out of it.

The big challenge is the whole NIMBY thing--no one wants to live down the lane from the whorehouse.

It's not a "victimless crime" (or even a victimless legal activity, in Nevada/Europe) though--the betrayal issues within the marriage do victimize the spouse, and then there's the humiliation that the children endure if/when the exploits of the perpetrator are publicized.

[cstanleytech]

464. Well, they also

are trying to link Hillary to the story whenever they can and they keep slipping in her name, not that I am surprised as this is the same disgusting network that had the little *accident* with Obamas name and called him Osama.

[Drum]

4. Yikes, he was our law n order guy...

:scared:

[Seabiscuit]

301. What does that tell you about "law n order guys"?

[mountainvue]

308. They like to get their freak on too. n/t

[Drum]

315. That everyone is human, all may fall short somewhere.

Regardless, I appreciate Spitzer's work as our AG, and was hopeful for his governance of NY state. I was impressed by the cases he brought against powerful and moneyed crooks, the more so because of the fetid political climate---and seemingly rampant unpunished corruption---during the W years 2000-present.

Now, who knows. I don't condemn him nor wish him ousted, but wonder how much this will impede/render-impossible his efforts to continue public service. And if that is to be cut short by a misstep, it is truly unfortunate.

[Dutch]

487. Are you suggesting it's wrong to be tough on white collar crime and corporate corruption?

[leftofcool]

5. Oopsie!

New Repuke spin coming up..............

[DUyellow]

6. subtract 1 super delagate from Clinton

[Sock Puppet]

83. that's your response?

Holy crap that is in bad taste.

[ronnykmarshall]

91. No shit.

[MADem]

136. Paterson backs Clinton. It's a wash. NT

[DUyellow]

430. Already a DNC member, he doesn't get two votes

[Thepricebreaker]

466. Why its true.. this guy is a scumbag for what he did to us and his wife.

[MADem]

134. Sorry--Paterson is a CLINTON supporter.

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2008/01/paterson-in-the-shot.html

That's him just behind her, in Iowa.

Oh well. Nice aggressive shot, missed by a mile, though.

[Pab Sungenis]

310. Maybe so

(and I hate to see us lose a delegate this way) but Paterson is ALREADY a superdelegate as a member of the DNC. Losing Spitzer will mean one less Clinton SD and one less SD in total, bringing the magic number back down by .5 after the gain of a Congressional seat earlier.

That would change if, upon becoming Governor, Paterson resigns from the DNC and the party appoints someone else in his spot. Then the net change would be zero, at least as far as delegates go.

[MADem]

451. Gee, what are the rules for selecting a new LT GOVERNOR in NY state? nt

[aquart]

232. If you like hookers, you vote Obama?

[MADem]

259. Spitzer leaving doesn't change that vote, though, since Paterson supports her too NT

[DUyellow]

429. Already a DNC member, he doesn't get two votes

[Kadie]

7. Whoops

That's not good.

:wow:

[maddezmom]

8. I was going to say I was shocked

but nothing shocks me anymore. :(

[havocmom]

26. now more than ever

NSMA for sure

[CherokeeDem]

9. Geez...

He was supposed to be one of the good guys...

Is it any wonder that the youth of America don't like politics? What examples they have been provided.

[Burma Jones]

10. Will he switch parties now?

[Name removed]

30. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[closeupready]

33. :D LOL Yeah, right?

:D He'd be more at home there.

[Johnny Battleground]

272. This is a huge stain that can't be passed off... we'll eat this for a long time

This isn't like some unknown Senator putting your hand under a bathroom stall.
This is going to have long term consequences. he was one guy that was seen as tough and straight.
Now he's a criminal, and after 7 years as the top lawyer of the state.
Sick in many ways.

[Binka]

291. Sorry I Don't Eat Stains Thanks For Your Concern

:eyes:

[Seabiscuit]

296. Nah... the Repukes finally have one Dem scalp. We've got thousands of Repuke scalps.

[DS1]

11. If the diapers aren't befouled, it must be allowed!

[txaslftist]

27. Nice graphic.

I have a 3 year old, and before he was potty-trained he would describe having poop in his diapers as "riding dirty".

[DS1]

36. hahahah

that's awesome

[ForeignSpectator]

219. LOL! He made that up? That's great! n/t

[txaslftist]

235. Well, he made it up after I heard the song and asked him...

[marshall]

293. Well, he did like things not considered "safe" by most of the working girls

According to the Smoking Gun.

[The empressof all]

12. Well, this doesn't sound good

I'm no longer a NYer but still follow politics there. I had high hopes for this guy--Nothing but dissapointment from him so far.

[hedgehog]

13. Say it ain't so, Joe!

If there is any truth to this, expect a wild time in New York. We're only 1 seat away from taking the New York State Senate for the Democrats for the first time in what, 40 years? It's been grid lock as long as I can remember with the Assembly fighting the Senate fighting the Governor.Toss in Upstate vs Downstate to add to the mess. As far as the Democratic Party here goes, I'd have to say that a comparison to a bucket of rats is unkind to the rats. As soon as one person starts to look good, it seems that six other people are ready to knock him down.

[villager]

14. Who's the Lt. Gov -- who'll become Gov. next week, when Spitzer resigns?

n/t

[humbled_opinion]

82. Why should he rsign?

People just throw themselves out over these drive by stories...

[WinkyDink]

102. Because this is the type of crime HE PROSECUTED, is why. Jeez Louise.

[smb]

258. Business Practices

"this is the type of crime HE PROSECUTED"

Efficient way to get rid of the competition....

[Bucky]

292. Lt Gov'r Paterson (may become NY's first legally blind governor)

Hey, someone from NY--please tell me Paterson is clean! I've always thought of NY as having particularly clean politics. Nothing like the cesspools that Ohio, Louisiana, or Florida regularly create. This is not some endemic problem, but only a personal ethics scandal, right? Please?

[jumptheshadow]

305. New York has clean politics????

Oh, no, no, no, no, no. Quite the opposite. It can give the states you named a real run for the money. And its local politics -- forget about it. Spitzer's promise was that he would end the corruption. I never liked the guy -- he is an egotistical grandstander, a Democratic Giuliani, in a way. The timing of this arrest stinks, however, coming so soon after Spitzer's Wall Street crusade and just as the Republicans look like they are going to lose the NY Senate, and the NY legislature.

[PittPoliSci]

462. not to mention tammany hall

[itsrobert]

15. Don't trust New Yorkers

Vote Edwards.

[Drum]

109. .

:eyes:

[whyzayker]

290. Maybe this gets me banned but....

itsrobert
15. Don't trust New Yorkers

Vote Edwards.

Fu*k You. Who the hell do you think you are?!

Sincerely,
A New Yorker.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

16. oh, NO...

How could he?

There goes his chance at any higher office...

And I so wanted to see him run for President...:cry:

[hedgehog]

19. Honest Peggy, he's been a real disappointment since he got into office.

Maybe he's been hamstrung by the system here, but he hasn't been very inspiring.

[selador]

23. i am not a spitzer fan

AT ALL. frankly, think he's a bit of a crusading jerk.

however, i do not like to see him fall like this, assuming there is substance to this story.

the ONE thing i most liked about him was his integrity.

personally, i don't think there is anything morally wrong with prostitution. however, it is certainly illegal, and well...

[midnight]

44. Can anyone tell me why prostitution is illigal?????

[hedgehog]

54. Prostitution is like polygamy. In theory it's alright between consenting adults,

but in practice powerless people end up getting exploited. Even in European countries where prostitution is legal, young women from the old Soviet bloc are being coerced into the trade.

[midnight]

86. Then why don't the prostitutes just unionize.

Then why don't the prostitutes just unionize. They can be represented. It is a line of work or service that is apparently needed. Let it come above ground, and give people the right to engage as adults in this service. It basically seems to me that whatever job people do, if they do not have any negotiating power, ie. unions, they get screwed anyways.

[TheWraith]

148. That's usually the argument towards legalization.

Not unions specifically, but regulation. If it's legal, then it can be regulated, health inspections performed, and businesses or services can be verified to be operating in a legal and ethical manner. Nevada has legal prostitution outside Clark County, with a similar system.

However, logic doesn't always affect laws. See the prohibition era for a good example.

[hedgehog]

It sounds like a fundy wet dream, but the fact is that "white slavery"

is alive and well among us. Toss in those who get involved as a means of financing a drug habit, and you can see why sex workers don't have the strongest unions. As I noted, even in Europe where prostitution is supposedly legal and controlled, explotation still goes on.

It is Wiki, but it agrees with what I've read over the years:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostitution_in_the_Netherlands

[davepc]

176. I'm sure the various mafias that traffic women from eastern Europe and Asia will go along with that

hey, we lure you to the west with false promises of jobs that don't exist, then take your passport (if you even had one) and use physical violence and drug addiction to keep you docile...but we have a GREAT union! check out the dental!

[davepc]

179. I'm sure the various mafias that traffic women from eastern Europe and Asia will go along with that

hey, we lure you to the west with false promises of jobs that don't exist, then take your passport (if you even had one) and use physical violence and drug addiction to keep you docile...but we have a GREAT union! check out the dental!

[lumberjack_jeff]

224. The article indicates that the high-end rate is $5,500/hour.

The exploitation that the rest of us face is rather more severe.

[TexasBushwhacker]

428. The prostitute probably doesn't get 50% of that n/t

[lumberjack_jeff]

434. There are few professions who earn more than half of the "shop rate". n/t

[LanternWaste]

474. hat we say only as a figure of speech...

"The exploitation that the rest of us face is rather more severe."

I disagree-- what we say only as a figure of speech concerning what our employers do to us, is indeed both literal, and part and parcel of the informal job description of most prostitute's I would imagine.

And from where I sit-- that's a bit more exploitative and severe than simply having to work late on a Tuesday evening...

[WinkyDink]

105. That's irrelevant to this news, is it not?

[TheWraith]

152. Yes, but we're Democrats, and therefore contemplative. nt

[WinkyDink]

181. Heh. Eliot ought to have contemplated a tad more.

[IsItJustMe]

300. Now that was a very funny response.

[Thepricebreaker]

467. his chance? how about calling him an asshole for what he did to his wife? or are all (D)'s immune?

[EFerrari]

17. Oh, no.

That's too bad. I really like him. :(

[Cooley Hurd]

18. Jesus! Utterly shocking!!!

:wow:

He's my Gov - I can't imagine he'll be able to continue as governor.:cry:

[WinkyDink]

22. Nope, don't think so. News conference at 2:15.

[qanda]

20. This is shocking

Completely unbelievable. Wow!

[selador]

25. shocking?

a politician caught in a scandal?

it's a lot of things, but shocking is not a word i would use for a politician caught in a scandal.

"practically expected" maybe :l

[qanda]

37. I think it's shocking not so much because I expect more from a politician

But because he was crying the loudest for ethics reform and I expected more from him. Oh well.

[selador]

45. true

glass houses. stones. etc.

i'd like to know what "involved" with the ring means

if he was just using the services of a prostitute, i find this minor news.
if he was involved withthe actual criminal enterprise otoh

[Chimichurri]

21. I cannot believe this. If anyone gave me hope - it was him.

Very disappointing.

[dchill]

24. EXPLETIVE DELETED

!

[Chovexani]

28. The hell?

:wtf:

[closeupready]

29. Very hypocritical, IMHO.

to engage in that against which you rail publicly.

[GOPNotForMe]

31. Wow.... just wow.

Bye, Eliot. What a fall from grace.

[itsrobert]

32. The real question: Who paid for the service?

$5500 isn't chicken fee? Is that by the hour or 15 minute clips. Or an all-nighter?

[HamdenRice]

95. Spitzer is uber rich. He doesn't care about how much the meter runs nt

[Tropics_Dude83]

34. He needs to resign immediately

And tragic for us too. If he had been who he said he was, he would have been a presidential candidate one day and a great president.

Alas, no.

I call for his resignation.

[WinkyDink]

43. He will; count on it.

[MADem]

172. He's not leaving, per his statement. At least not yet.

Very lawyerly remarks--first thing out of his mouth was the phrase PRIVATE MATTER.

[RiverStone]

238. If he knows he is guilty - he should leave ASAP!

I could not care less about one's private sex life - however, if he engaged in activities that are illegal (i.e. prostitution) and blatantly committed a crime....he needs to resign.

How can he serve the public's trust if he broke it (in a BIG way)?

[MADem]

245. Like Larry Craig and David Vitter did!!!

Oh, wait...they invoked the "private matter, none of your business" themes too!

[Traction311]

438. Vitter's case is a bit different then the other two

He wasn't a Senator when the crime happened. Craig and Spitzer were elected when it happened.

[MADem]

445. Well, he was a member of the HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES!

What, it only counts if you're a Senator?

He was VERY MUCH "elected" and serving on the Hill when it happened.

I cite: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/09/AR2007070902030.html

Vitter is in his first Senate term after serving six years in the House. During his Senate campaign, Vitter was accused by a member of the Louisiana Republican State Central Committee of carrying on a lengthy affair with a prostitute in New Orleans's French Quarter.

In a radio interview, Vitter then called the allegation "absolutely and completely untrue" and dismissed it as "just crass Louisiana politics."

[Traction311]

448. I didn't know it happened when he was elected as a House member

He should resign too, even though it didn't happen under his current job (Sen.).

[MADem]

450. That's how they bagged him--one of the numbers was to his Hill office in that

list that ABC rather sloppily 'vetted' (and managed to miss that particular number).

[Traction311]

453. It's just crazy that either politician though they could get away with it

Having an affair is no big deal anymore, but the prostitution thing still bothers me. Why? I don't know. Maybe because it's illegal. Maybe because it involves money. I just don't know for sure, but I lean toward anyone involved in something like this resigning. Thankfully, a Dem will take over.

[MADem]

455. I find it unsavory myself. Mainly because it's a betrayal of a marriage contract.

It speaks to the issue of character, really. And in the case of Spitzer, there's that whole hypocrisy thing working.

It's not "victimless" either---the spouse and children are now humiliated by the intemperate actions of the Governor.

I also think that the people who do this sort of work are easy targets for victimization. I suppose the ones who make a fortune can manage their own health and retirement plans, but the bulk of people doing this sort of work aren't showcased on glitzy websites--they're walking the streets.

[rhett o rick]

494. Of course you do. would you if he was a repuke?? nm

[MorningGlow]

35. Oh for the love of...

You know, I saw him speak before he ran for governor, and he really impressed me--similar message as Edwards, going after corporations and other corrupt entities, etc. Guess I was duped. Can't trust any of 'em, I swear...
:banghead:

[tandot]

38. Boy, what a shithead. Married and has 3 kids.

He must resign immediately.

[BumRushDaShow]

39. Holy Crap! n/t

[Robbien]

40. CNBC is going to air live Spitzers news conference any minute now

Oh shit.

[ronnykmarshall]

112. Who will take over if he resigns?

[onehandle]

41. Goodbye. nt

[AlCzervik]

42. What the???????

[lolamio]

46. This is depressing.

The Democrats in New York State are on the verge of taking back control of the State Senate. This is the worst possible news.

[marshall]

47. Is he the prostitute or the john?

The article says he is "linked" to a prostitution ring. That makes it sound like he was moonlighting.

[davepc]

48. Why cant these guys keep their pants on?

I don't get it.

[JerseygirlCT]

56. That's what I want to know. Is it really that all-fired hard?

I have no patience for this, really.

[Dora]

164. *snort*

nice pun

[JerseygirlCT]

216. You know, I only caught it after I hit "post", but

I thought I'd let it stay anyway...

[Thepricebreaker]

59. Because its instinct for a male to think with his penis!

:evilgrin: :evilgrin:

[humbled_opinion]

88. Oh thats not sexist is it?

What is wrong on DU lately we have become everything we hate....

[edbermac]

60. You answered your own question.

They don't get it. :evilgrin:

[qanda]

190. It's in the water...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3217539

[eridani]

444. They don't even have to do that--just call on the services--

--of Rosy Palm and her five daughters.

[davepc]

49. Why cant these guys keep their pants on?

I don't get it.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

439. I don't either...

Do they get so enraptured by their power that they think they could never get caught?
Did Spitzer really think this was different from Monica Lewinsky? :shrug:

[midnight]

50. O there are so many horrible crimes going on that I just can't

seem to get to worked up over this. I just hope that his children will be able to ride this storm out.

[democrat2thecore]

57. The problem is THIS

As attorney general, he also had prosecuted at least two prostitution rings as head of the state’s organized crime task force.

In one such case in 2004, Mr. Spitzer spoke with revulsion and anger after announcing the arrest of 16 people for operating a high-end prostitution ring out of Staten Island.

[Vanje]

Yep

Its the hypocrisy

[Celebration]

51. Wall Street Cheers

They hate him.

Is it related to this?

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2008/03/you_can_say_this_about_the_gir.html

Yesterday the Feds busted the Emperor's Club, a New York–based escort service that provided, according to their Website, "refined and successful international clients" looking for "risk-free dating … without long-term-commitment intricacies" with "exclusive, beautiful, educated companions of fine family and career backgrounds." You know, hookers. Of the four people charged with running the service, three of them were women. Still, from the phone records in the FBI affidavit, parts of which are up on the Smoking Gun, it didn't seem like it was a woman-friendly workplace, from the male founder who said that a would-be call girl "looks like a butcher in my opinion" to the conversation about the "baggage" a worker with kids has to the outraged indignation of an applicant who was "shock and confuse" that the company expected its employees to have sex with men who don't even take them out to dinner. But then comes a tender moment between one self-aware prostie and her pimpette.

[edbermac]

52. That's what internet porn is for, you idiot.

x(

[Dr. Strange]

488. Wait...THERE'S PORN ON THE INTERNET?!!?

Why didn't someone inform me of this sooner?

[democrat2thecore]

55. This really gets me (inside)

Mr. Spitzer gained national attention when he served as attorney general with his relentless pursuit of Wall Street wrongdoing. As attorney general, he also had prosecuted at least two prostitution rings as head of the state’s organized crime task force.

In one such case in 2004, Mr. Spitzer spoke with revulsion and anger after announcing the arrest of 16 people for operating a high-end prostitution ring out of Staten Island.

[truebrit71]

61. What a stupid hypocrite!!!

Wow...just wow...

[ProfessorPlum]

58. I knew that NSA program would come in handy

I guess Spitzer decided not to be blackmailed, unlike all the other reporters and politicians in the country.

[havocmom]

62. Was he buyin' or sellin'

Any questions about what all the spying on Americans is REALLY about?

Was he about to be outed on this one?

Is this a gentle reminder to other DEM pols who may want to clean things up in the public arena?

Any more questions about why so many DEM pols cave to cheney/bush?

Wire taps are NOT for terrorist suspects, they are to keep the domestic neocon terrorists in power.

[Robbien]

80. Buying (or so says CNBC pundit). And all your other point are on the mark

Why else are there only a few congresscritters be willing to stand up against the powers that be on FISA spying or anything else. Further, I have very little hope if the WH changes hands the status quo will change.

[MADem]

182. It's an argument for electing more female congressmembers and governors.

Seriously--when's the last time we've seen a woman in public life indicted for fucking prostitutes?

[Traction311]

440. Never, BUT...

Women don't have to pay.

[MADem]

452. Wasn't it Heidi Fleiss who seemed to think otherwise, and was planning on opening

a ladies' brothel?

[Traction311]

458. I don't know, was she?

I ccan't imagine it would be a success. I am not one to steriotype at all, but one thing I can tall you is this: It's a lot easier for a woman to have sex than a guy. Even if one is not that good looking, all she has to do is walk in a bar and someone will talk to her. Guys walking in a bar don't have women walking up to them and talking, unless they are Brad Pitt or Derek Jeter (celbrities). Don't get me wrong, there are times when girls have started talking to me in a bar, but it's not as common as the other way around. BTW, Playboy outsells Playgirl more than 10 to 1.

[MADem]

459. "The Stud Farm" is what it is to be called, apparently

http://www.heidifleiss.com/news-press.htm

If you're walking into a bar looking to get laid, you're probably telegraphing "desperate" or "crude" or "loser" and not even realizing it. You should be looking for friendships that might (or might not) blossom, (but could lead to referrals down the line) and you might do better.

I've found, though I am long out of the loop and the "scene" by many, many decades, that there's no substitute for four things if you are a young man who might want to find romance:

1. A good personality (positive, upbeat, not overbearing). This includes elements of politeness and manners. It also includes that intangible called "attitude."

2. A modicum of intelligence; an ability to engage in substantive discussion. Common sense is inclluded in this criteria.

3. A genuine interest in the person you're attempting to, as they say nowadays, "hook up with." That includes having interests in common.

4. Cleanliness--next to Godliness. If you stink or have bad breath, you're screwed... but not in a good way.

As for PLAYGIRL, I heard that was a magazine that is enjoyed by gay men more than women.

Ladies aren't as impulsively "visual" as a rule, and they appreciate verbal interaction--it's why they don't spend the rent at strip clubs, and why there's always some "sensitive" and "deep" skinny guy on the Sexiest Man lists.

There is that Mars-Venus thing working. You can't ignore it. It's real.

[Traction311]

486. I'm not that young, in my 30's

I don't go into bars looking to get laid, I am not that type at all. I pass all your tests, except my common sense is rather low at times. And yes, I always say hooking up. Before that it was "went" (as in "You went with her?"). Before that it was "making out" (with apparently is making a comback for the first time since the early 80's. The REALLY old timers still say "going parking", which always cracks me up. :) Did I miss any terms?

[MADem]

490. You forgot 'NECKING!!!!" Now THERE's a quaint term!

Useful for those who didn't have a car!! And back in the old days, that was quite common!

And in some locales, there was "smooching"--as in "I saw Betty and Bobby smooching behind the barn!"

You'll probably do better finding someone outside that "bar" scene at your age, really. Those bars are more for college kids and those right out of college. By the time you hit your thirties, you probably stand an even chance of finding yourself an early stage alcoholic in such a venue--and that goes for men or women.

I'm no expert at "where the women hang out" but if you've a friend who is a woman, perhaps you can enlist her help, and you might return the favor by making some introductions for her as well. That "matchmaking" thing by friends works, often as not, because friends know each other best, and at least it gets you out there and involved, which beats sitting at home with a sack of Fritos and a can of bean dip.

If you like getting out and about, maybe a hiking club, ski club, some venue like that, might be a way of meeting someone who interests you and isn't the type who is ready to slide off a barstool into a puddle of beer..!

[Traction311]

491. Lol, necking!

I knew I forgot one of them. :)

Yeah, some bars are for mostly young kids, but some are quite mixed in age. After work the other night (I work nights and sometimes get out like 11:00), I went with three work buddies to a bar near my job. There was a lady sitting to my right who was about 70, and so drunk she was sleeping. Tyhey told me she is a regular too, hehe. I wouldn't mind a girl who just graduated collage. Depending on the level of schooling, that could be mid 20's or so. Nothing wrong with that age difference at all, I am very young for my age.

[MADem]

492. Well, if you look young, you might get away with that. A lot of

college ladies think fellers in their thirties are old farts, though.

Good luck in your quest, at any rate....

[Traction311]

493. Well, I can easily pass for my mid 20's

However, I wouldn't lie about my age. I'm a super-young 35, and I have never ever had problems meeting women 25-30. It's not like I'm going after 18 year olds, lol. But I'm not gonna lie to you, if I randomly met Ashley Alexandra Dupre (and didn't know who she was, lemme stress that), and she wanted to hang out, I wouldn't say no, 22 or not. :)

[Seabiscuit]

299. I have one question: What do they have on Nancy Pelosi?

She caves to bush/cheney. What have they got on her? What kind of escort service does she use?

[havocmom]

436. Don't err thinking it's all the same. Think MR. Pelosi too,

and bet it isn't high end hookers

Foolish to presume all sins are the same sin. ;)

[mzmolly]

63. Why do people like this enter politics?

Seriously. Why?

[KoKo]

69. I wondered the same thing ...reading this. Maybe it's after they get in politics that it happens.

Either someone is trying to corrupt them for personal gain...or they get a "big head" and think they are above the law or propriety. This is so disappointing.

[mzmolly]

93. True, he could have been set up. Reading the article, I'm confused

as to if he knew he was involved or not? :shrug:

[KoKo]

103. Saying it was part of ring....called Emperor's Club...Prostitutes for Hire...

Membership in the Icon Club if you paid a thousand an hour. Spitzer apparently prosecuted two Prostitution Rings.... :eyes: and the Emperors Club was one of them...

This is so bizarre.

[WinkyDink]

106. Yes, MSNBC is lovin' the details. Too bad they can't investigate the Invasion this well.

[MADem]

114. Wow, those crack journos at MSNBC, they can actually READ the NYT!!! nt

[rateyes]

247. "Big head?"

He made the wrong "head" big.

[MADem]

111. With many people, power corrupts. They start to think, like Newt and others, that they ARE the law.

And the Constitution is "just a piece of paper."

Hubris...! It'll getcha if you don't wake up EVERY morning and look in the mirror and say "I CAN be replaced. I am NOT indispensable. The world and this organization CAN and WILL go on without me."

There's something to be said for active humility in one's approach to one's job. It at least keeps the often unwarranted feelings of self-importance, that can often creep up as a result of flattering subordinates eager to advance themselves, at bay.

[AngryAmish]

212. Politicians are weird people

Politicians love the thrill that comes from public office. They want to be the center of attention. And transgressing is another thrill. (See a hooker when you are a governor is a pretty big transgression.)

I don't run around on my wife because I don't want to screw up my life (among other reasons). I know plenty of people who do.

I also have know more than a few people who have become very wealthy in a short period of time. At some point people stop thinking that rules apply to them.

Bottom line - politicians are weird people and have motivations that are baffling.

[jpak]

64. "federal prosecutors" - I smell a fat little baldheaded asshole...

"we will fuck him....etc...."

[mod mom]

65. So sad-what would pssess a public figure esp knowing we're being spied upon!

I don't get it-is it really worth the risk not only to your career but the health of your family?

[Freddie Stubbs]

66. Weveryone had high hopes for Elliot Spitzer, but his first year has been an unmitigated disaster

And now this. At least his Lt. Governor is a Democrat.

[Ian David]

67. So they've nailed TWO Democrats to our brazilions of corrupt Republickers now. Wow. n/t

[Ian David]

68. Diaperman Vitter gets to keep HIS job. Wide Stance Craig gets to keep HIS job.

What are the odds that Spitzer stays in office?

[Psephos]

155. It sounds like you're suggesting that repug standards should be our benchmark, too

We should aspire to something better.

Sexual adventurism is not a function of one's political beliefs. Both parties have equal numbers of those who stray across the painted lines. The political issue is how each of the parties deal with these incidents, not that they occur.

Being less hypocritical than repugs is a political as well as moral good.

[Ian David]

283. Then maybe he needs to legalize prostitution in New York. n/t

[hedgehog]

160. Given how ineffective he has been to date, just what could Spitzer

accomplish if he were to remain in office after this news?

[groovedaddy]

70. Power corrupts - but I still hate when it happens, particularly to one of ours! n.t

[La Lioness Priyanka]

71. thats a fucking shame.

:cry:

[stillcool]

72. Where is Roger Stone?

[eilen]

73. I'm a NYer and I need to lift my jaw from the floor.

This was totally out of left field, I am shocked. I would have never.... Honestly, why is it every Democrat I vote for in the past 6 years..... proving to be so slimey? Can't we get a decent Democrat in NY? Here our republicans are more like right leaning democrats. No one can say a thing about D'Amato now.

This is really disappointing. I wasn't too thrilled with his work as governor (he was another one "ready from Day 1" as advertised. I think it was "Day 1, everything changes". Didn't expect this.

I guess his proposed budget won't pass now. Bruno must be dancing in the hallways of the state capital.

[mod mom]

74. WATCH FOR SOME MAJOR * MEDIA DUMP-WE'RE DISTRACTED!

[w8liftinglady]

that's what I was thinking.Something HUGE is coming down...

[donheld]

75. He's been a big let down

I, at one time, had high hopes for this man.

[stranger81]

76. Article makes it sound like he was only a client, but the teevee

is making it sound like he was running the whole show . . . . . what's the deal?

[donkeyotay]

183. That's what I was wondering. Huge difference.

Spitzer involved with a prostitute.
Spitzer involved in a prostitution ring.

[Zuiderelle]

77. Damn.

[dchill]

78. Make no mistake...

he has wounded us all.

[soleft]

84. 1 Gdamn seat away from controlling the state senate

I am pissed!

[havocmom]

79. Spitzer story sure knocked Obama pointing out the illogical HRC talk about him as VP off the TV

Timing.... Hmmm.

This didn't just happen. But it just suddenly came out.

And the talking heads have dropped Obama's important points about an opponent who says he lacks experience then talking him up for the VP slot, despite the fact that he is ahead in the race.

Timing makes me go hmmmmm

[democrat2thecore]

97. So Spitzer decides to tell his staff he's involved in prostitution ring? Please. -nt

[MADem]

157. According to the article, there was an investigation and they have him on tape.

He didn't "decide," the feds moved against the ring and there he was...on tape with a "booking agent."

He didn't say he would resign--he just had a press conference. He gave a statement and refused to answer questions.

But a person with knowledge of the governor’s role said that the person believes the governor is one of the men identified as clients in court papers.

The governor’s travel records show that he was in Washington in mid-February. One of the clients described in court papers arranged to meet with a prostitute who was part of the ring, the Emperors Club VIP on the night of Feb. 13.

Mr. Spitzer appeared on a CNBC television show at 7 a.m. the next morning. Later in the morning, he testified before a Congressional committee.

An affidavit filed in federal court in Manhattan in connection with that case lists six conversations between the man, identified as Client 9, and a booking agent for the Emperors Club.

[havocmom]

435. Yep. Timing is interesting. SOMEBODY had this on him and today it came out

Just curious.

[nolabels]

454. The economic hit-men targeting a domestic pray

No doubt he was just a arrow in their quiver they needed to pull out at this time. Me thinks it will come a bit short still. Many now know or have just learned that they have been gamed since just about forever from these kind of folks. So this not-so-smart fella never realized how much his penis could get him trouble. Probably just another concept they fail to teach in an Ivy League school :shrug:

[MADem]

145. Blame those "LIBRULS" at the New Yawk TAHMS. They broke the story. NT

[TroglodyteScholar]

211. Oh GAWD

Presidential contenders bickering back and forth is not exactly big news.

ANYTHING would have knocked Obama's comments off the TV--a kid trapped in a well...a mall shooting...a kidnapped/murdered college student...ANYTHING.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

81. I can't wait to hear what he has to say.

His political career is not looking good at this point. Foolish, foolish man.

[democrat2thecore]

85. WCBS say an aide just left Spitzer office in tears, shaking head

Listen live here:
http://player.cbsradio.com/player/CBSRadio_Player.html?id=91&onestat=wcbs

[TransitJohn]

87. So the Democrat

gets non stop wall to wall coverage, and the multitude of Repugs of course get buried. Par for the course.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

98. INOKIYAD. -nt

[humbled_opinion]

124. Exactly ...

You got restroom shoe tapper and perverted email writer but those things are never adequately brought out for public consumption, the media has such a double standard and bias it is palatable....

[Common Sense Party]

241. Wide Stance got no media coverage?

You can't be serious. Leno was just doing a joke about that the other night, and Craig got busted months ago! It's been all over the media!

The media love scandals, and they love sex. They don't care if the guilty party have a D or an R after their name. The media only care about advertising dollars.

[humbled_opinion]

285. I meant the attack machine comes out when it relates

To a Democrat... IOW you'll be hearing about this until 2020 at least....on a repuke it kind of goes out to late night real quick...

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

89. Spitzer supporters need to take a good long look at themselves.

It's the worst fear of an advocate.

Stay detached and reasonable.

[HamdenRice]

90. WHAT THE HOLY M**f** SHIT????? And coming from Skinner no less??? I'm speechless! nt

[TZ]

166. Why? This is important news

A politician who was always touting himself as a law and order guy gets caught breaking the law. Thats pretty sad. I guess to you its only bad if its a Republican....:sarcasm:
Right is right and wrong is wrong and it doesn't make a damn bit of difference what letter you have after your name. Sorry to see thats a Dem, but that doesn't excuse this behavior.
I think he should resign.

[HamdenRice]

199. self delete

[Slagathor]

94. Why can't people just keep their wieners in their pants?

surely it can't be that hard? I mean staying clean... not the wiener part...

[mikelgb]

96. oy

what kind of involvement?

[annabanana]

99. A client, like Vitter. . . .(his HE gone?). . . .n/t

[democrat2thecore]

107. But this is SPITZER! He was hardline AG and

Railed against prostitution ring in '04 bust. This is truly different. Maybe you would have to know his holier than thou, "I'm above it all," attitude.

[HamdenRice]

100. OK Now the Good News! Our next Governor is a super progressive, blind African American!

He will ably represent the disabled community, minorities, working families and the poor.

I introduce you to one of New York State's best politicians, the incorruptible Honorable David Patterson, Lt. Governor of New York who will undoubtedly become New York's first African American governor, the same year that American elects its first African American president:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Paterson

[democrat2thecore]

113. And he IS awesome! Convention speech was moving -nt

[closeupready]

122. Very good!

Glad to hear it! :)

[HamdenRice]

127. Gotta look for some good out of this catastrophic mess. nt

[MADem]

131. It's Paterson (one T) and he campaigned for Clinton in IA... FWIW.

That's him just behind her....

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2008/01/paterson-in-the-shot.html

[democrat2thecore]

He was hoping to take her place in the U.S. Senate - or so the word goes --nt

[MADem]

163. It was down to him and RFK JR. near as I've heard... nt

[halobeam]

229. Step on up, Mr. Kennedy!

[laconicsax]

101. Look forward to hearing about this for the next long-ass time.

Democrat+sex scandal=non-stop coverage for a long time

Republican+sex scandal=swept under the carpet.

[dmosh42]

104. Are there any pictures of the pros involved?

Just wondered if there are any familiar ones.

[mzmolly]

110. .

:eyes:

[iamthebandfanman]

118. you should get a duzy for that one.

lol.

[smoogatz]

119. What's Monica up to these days?

I mean, seriously.

[WinkyDink]

121. Your point?

[MADem]

169. Familiar ones? You aren't just the President of the VIP club, you're also a client?

:eyes:

[Scurrilous]

254. From thesmokinggun:

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/0306082emperor1.html

[acmavm]

311. Wowie Zowie, Sydney must be able to make 'em smoke. And without

cigaretts or cigars.

Seven diamonds. What at talent.

[Traction311]

442. Wonder how old she is too...

N/T

[iamthebandfanman]

108. if its true

he must be shunned by the party and lose his job.

[RainDog]

115. money laundering?

that's his asso. - and somehow found via investigation of Gambino family?

[smoogatz]

116. The question isn't the hookers so much as who paid for them.

I really don't care who Spitzer has sex with, as long as it's consensual. If he accepted the hooker as a "gift" from some lobbyist who could then turn around and use it against him, that's another story. His personal life is his business. If he violates the public trust, that's the business of the people of New York.

That said, when the Bushfeds go after high end prostitution rings, it's always interesting which names get selectively leaked to the press. Nope, no politics there.

[NoBorders]

130. Service charged "up to $5500/hour"

Uh, I think I would stick with Rosy Palm for free instead. I guess if you're stinking rich...

[mwb970]

154. The $5500/hour was what got me.

Not to be nosy, but what could someone possibly do, or say, or expose, or touch, that would be worth $5500 for one hour? The very idea seems decadent and monumentally indulgent. Isn't that what kills empires?

[NoBorders]

159. Yea.

As someone posted over at dKos: $500 for the service, $5000 for discretion. Woops.

[mwb970]

309. Good point. I forgot about the discretion factor.

But you still have to wonder what went through the guy's mind. Did he really think he would get away with it?

Now the righties have two Dems (Spitzer and Jefferson) to bring up when we mention the dozens of wrongdoers on their side!

[smoogatz]

180. Stinking rich, or getting it for free from your corporate or organized crime

buddies. A $5500 hooker is the exactly the kind of thing lobbyists/gangsters use for bribes and/or blackmail. I hope she was fun, at least.

[soleft]

117. Is it being reported he's in the hands of federal authorities

I just talked to someone on the phone who told me that he was actually arrested.

[RedEarth]

120. More from .. AP....

NEW YORK (AP) - The New York Times is reporting that Gov. Eliot Spitzer has told senior advisers that he had been involved in a prostitution ring.

......

Spitzer has built his political legacy on rooting out corruption, including several headline-making battles with Wall Street while serving as attorney general. He stormed into the governor's office in 2006 with a historic share of the vote, vowing to continue his no-nonsense approach to fixing one of the nation's worst governments.

Time magazine had named him "Crusader of the Year" when he was attorney general and the tabloids proclaimed him "Eliot Ness."

.......

Spitzer had served two terms as attorney general where he pursued criminal and civil cases and cracked down on misconduct and conflicts of interests on Wall Street and in corporate America. He had previously been a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, handling organized crime and white-collar crime cases.

His cases as state attorney general included a few criminal prosecutions of prostitution rings and into tourism involving prostitutes.

In 2004, he was part of an investigation of an escort service in New York City that resulted in the arrest of 18 people on charges of promoting prostitution and related charges.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080310/D8VANVHG0.html

[bluestateguy]

123. I hope he has to resign

He is unpopular. The Lt. Gov is a Democrat. We need to hold that governorship in 2010 if we are to control NY's redistricting.

[DainBramaged]

141. No he shouldn't resign, period

[WinkyDink]

165. It isn't an affair; it's criminal activity. (I don't write the laws.)

[dmosh42]

174. If it's just a BJ, that's not sex, is it? n/t

[WinkyDink]

185. What's your point?

[DainBramaged]

267. Then ALL of the Reich wingers involved with sex related crimes should be forced to resign

Period. Including adultery.


I get it. He's the first Dem governor in NY in how many years?????

[DainBramaged]

456. He was heard MAKING A PHONE CALL TO ARRANGE a liaison

He didn't boink the pro!

[Shakespeare]

Yes, he should. He has to.

One, he's likely to be indicted. He's committed a crime. Two, he's built his entire career on busting criminals (primarily of the white-collar variety). He's hung by his own hypocrisy.

[Common Sense Party]

244. Yes, he should and he must resign. Period. n/t

[Az_lefty]

125. I cannot understand how those in high profile positions...

can get involved in such things. What are these people thinking? They know their under a microscope and then go out and do something like this. Just plain dumb.

[Jacobin]

135. power is like tequila. It makes you think you are invisible and invincible

[dailykoff]

126. Very unfortunate.

Now what happens in NY?

[grasswire]

128. DoJ is getting rough, apparently

They want to make an example of Spitzer.

Who hasn't seen this plot already on the big screen or the telly?

They're going to perp walk him in shackles, probably.

[WinkyDink]

129. Present verb tense, note. He's in trouble more than politically.

Hubris. It's not just for breakfast anymore.

[grasswire]

133. I'll wait to see the EVIDENCE.

Remember Don Siegelman.

Remember Don Siegelman.

Remember Don Siegelman.

[Shakespeare]

137. The difference here is that Spitzer has apparently admitted his involvement to his senior staff.

Not like Siegelman at all, I fear. :-(

[grasswire]

193. involvement, what's that??

He used the service?

He ran the ring?

He kept the books?

WHAT?????????

[Shakespeare]

200. Well, at a minimum they have him on tape as "Client 9" making detailed arrangements for services.

How involved does he have to be in order for it to be completely unacceptable, especially given that Spitzer has built his entire career on being a squeaky-clean crusader against crime and corruption?

I am bitterly disappointed in him.

[WinkyDink]

138. If Spitzer ANNOUNCED it to his staff,....!!

[grasswire]

195. announced what?

"They were going to blackmail me for paying for sex"?

"I was running a prostitution ring."

WHAT?

[WinkyDink]

225. Please. He dragged his wife out there, he apologized. What do you think, he was saying he played

checkers with these women?

[bjobotts]

276. Wasn't there an answering machine recording of him being threatened a few months ago?

[MADem]

142. They've got him on tape, and he's giving a press conference.

I suspect he's either going to resign, or pull a "Vitter." Good luck with that latter stunt.

I wouldn't be surprised if he was given extra scruitiny, followed around by those wishing him ill, because he's a Dem and he touts himself as a moral crusader.

[grasswire]

198. haven't you seen this movie before?

It's called a sting.

[MADem]

206. Well, you can't get stung if you don't hang around the beehive.

He was a stupid idiot.

Sounds like he's trying to ride it out, though. His language is interesting--private matter, personal...that Harvard Law degree isn't going to waste, I guess.

[NashVegas]

139. As a Former New Yorker

Who lived under many NYS attorney generals who used the office to be strong consumer advocates ... if this is true I'm sure he was merely seeing that no false claims were made.

Seriously, I'm going to wait to see what statement he makes.

[grasswire]

201. thank you for your adherance to due process!!

I can't believe how many people jump the gun, believing every rumor that hits the fan.

Wait for the story to unfold, chums. Look for EVIDENCE, not innuendo. Question everything. And be suspicious of the politicized DoJ.

[DainBramaged]

140. Yeah, so the Reich wing shouldn't get upset at all

He wasn't caught in a men's room at the airport, he isn't sleeping with pages.

What's the big deal? The Reich wing condones this type of behavior. What's his name in Louisiana did it to, that Congressman.

[Rhiannon12866]

143. K&R. Breaking now on MSNBC TV.

Just shoot me now. He was our "anti corruption hero" here in NY... :-(

[citizen snips]

144. The longer he puts off the news conference the worse it appears.

[democrat2thecore]

146. WCBS TV reporting Spitzer will resign -nt

http://wcbstv.com/breakingnewsalerts/spitzer.prostitution.ring.2.673848.html

[MADem]

161. They jumped the gun. I think he's going to try to ride this out. We'll see.

He could have said "I resign." But he didn't. He said he failed to live up to his own standards and that politics isn't about individuals. He also said he has to get right with his family.

Sounds like he intends to try to ride this out.

[democrat2thecore]

187. CBS says they are working out the logistics of resignation - we'll have to wait & see -nt

[lebkuchen]

192. "spend time w/the family" is a tired cliche

and last g(r)asp.

[CANDO]

147. One Democratic scandal cancels out hundreds of GOP scandals

Faux News will be busy with this one for months. They will act as if the pedophiles in the GOP never existed.

[democrat2thecore]

150. This being SPITZER......it is unfortunately a doozy -nt

[democrank]

149. I`m stunned.

What a nightmare for his family.

[VermeerLives]

262. Agree

I think the family suffers more than anything, especially when there are children involved.

[Roland99]

151. Dumb ASS!

:eyes:

[Fuzz]

167. Double Dumb Ass!

[bigworld]

153. $5500 an hour? $30000 a night?

My god.

[dailykoff]

162. ring and a honeymoon right there.

crazy.

[TheWraith]

170. I can't imagine anything that's physically possible by humans that's worth $5500 an hour.

[WinkyDink]

188. Silence is very expensive.

[TheWraith]

281. And yet, he couldn't just have an affair.

That would have been bad enough, but at least if it came out it would be semi-private. As a former prosecutor he should have known that the records kept by these organizations are ticking time bombs.

[Bushwick Bill]

178. Would they pro-rate it?

If I only lasted like three seconds?:D

[Buns_of_Fire]

470. I figured out that I could afford about 21 seconds at that rate.

I haven't figured out what we'd do for the remaining nine seconds, though. :shrug:

[HamdenRice]

184. Spitzer is already uber, uber rich

He's from the sort of class that can go into a Prada store and not keep track of what he buys.

$30,000 per night is chump change to the Spitzer family, so money is probably not an issue.

What is an issue is that Spitzer PROSECUTED this kind of prostitution ring, so it looks like a freebee from a defendant.

That's the worst kind of corruption possible -- a prosecutor going easy for sex.

[TroglodyteScholar]

217. O rly?

That's the worst kind of corruption possible -- a prosecutor going easy for sex.

That's odd--I think a lot of people would probably say that no-bid defense contracts and selling arms to the enemy are the worst kind of corruption possible.

But I guess most Dems love nothing more than the opportunity to rip into another Dem.

I'm not condoning the behavior, but let's keep our heads about us, please.

[grasswire]

248. you forgot "stealing an election"

That's pretty high corruption in my book.

[Zynx]

205. Hope it was worth it, Eliot.

[ellie]

156. When I first

read this I thought they meant Fitzgerald! I'm better now. This guy needs to resign and go away. Law and order my ass.

[WinkyDink]

168. Why do these men always drag out their WIVES?? Tracey Ullman had a great skit on this.

[AngryOldDem]

177. Human shields?

The long-suffering wife "standing by her man"? Looks good for a photo, I guess. I just can't imagine what she is feeling, though.

Very, very sad.

[Swede]

171. How stupid.

What was he thinking?

[HamdenRice]

173. Spitzer cannot ride this out. It seems he PROSECUTED that same ring

Initial reports are confusing but it seems that he prosecuted this very same ring -- Emperor's Club VIP.

Therefore, it's not just about sex. It raises the issue of quid pro quo, or corruption -- getting sex for lenient prosecution.

Mr. Law&Order cannot survive this if it goes beyond mere sex.

[MADem]

191. Well, he is gonna try to, I think. Otherwise, he'd have said the magic words.

There are calls for his resignation, but he hasn't taken the bait ..... yet.

Apparently, he didn't "do the crime" in NY state, at least not that we are aware of...

He called it a PRIVATE MATTER.

We'll see what happens.

[notrobinhood]

175. Misunderstood - thought he was copping to

a Prosecution Ring!

[lebkuchen]

189. If Spitzer is involved w/Emperor's Club,

how many other high profile individuals are?

[democrat2thecore]

197. Good point - may be many more to come

I'm sure there are some nervous nellies out there.

[galledgoblin]

194. ...well, fuck.

I still have my "everything changes on day one!" poster on my wall

what a major disappointment he's turned out to be. I just started to actively support him after his lackluster year one, and now this.

he may be cooked.

[eilen]

213. It is a very sad day for NY

I have had a little time for this to sink in and consider that Elliot Spitzer has always had the reputation of being a high minded, moral, crusading individual bent on justice. I've emailed his office with things related to mail and internet fraud because I was sure his office would check them out.

I feel really bad for his wife and daughters as well as his family of origin.

Also the state of the leadership was just tipping over to the Dem side... I wonder what effect this will have?

What was he thinking?

I also wonder who else will be caught out in this sting. I don't believe the FBI or IRS will be protecting anyone politically so I am sure there are other pols and high profile individuals who will face similar exposure.

The issue with Spitzer is the appearance of impropriety in connection with his office.

Elliot Ness indeed. This is very serious. He definitely needs to resign.

[Algorem]

196. they wouldn't be sniffing round New York for something on ,you

know,somebody?

[democrat2thecore]

203. I wouldn't have thousands and thousands to drop on something like Emporer's Club -nt

[LeftinOH]

202. On the other hand.. it should serve as a reminder for the coming Dem adminstration

in Washington to: Get rid of the whore-mongers, panty-sniffers, snow-blowers, page-molesters, embezzlers.. and anyone else who has legitimate dirt that will inevitably become public (not Whitewater-style "dirt", either). We've had enough.

[humbled_opinion]

279. Does that include...

Those that smoked but didn't inhale or those that smoked with the intent purpose to inhale.

[ecstatic]

204. Why do they keep mentioning his bought and paid for SAT score?

He has no integrity. It doesn't matter that he got the highest score his money could buy.

[BlueStater]

208. What an utter moron

These guys think they can get away with fucking everything. Now he looks like a total schmuck in front of everyone. Just great.

[jzodda]

209. Another one bites the dust......

n/t

[travelingtypist]

214. What a maroon.

Why do they have to be stupid. Powerful enemies, all of that.
Monica redux, same mistake as Clinton.

:puke:

[pajjr]

218. Why do politicians have to be human

IF only they could be like those who post here. I think a lot of these comments are really lame, Some of you are just as bad as freepers

[WinkyDink]

226. Do you hire prostitutes? I know no one who has. Is breaking the law common in your circle?

[pajjr]

239. no

but I can understand it. I just get sick of all the judgmental crap I hear. Some of you sound like freepers.

[Thickasabrick]

316. I know lots of people who have. I try not to judge people. It's still

the oldest profession.

[ClusterFreak]

221. What a tool. n/t

[pnwmom]

222. No diapers, no bathroom, no underage kids -- put into perspective,

this shouldn't be a big deal. Of course it will be.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

223. seconded.

[WinkyDink]

227. Here's SPITZER'S OWN perspective, from the NYT:

Mr. Spitzer gained national attention when he served as attorney general with his relentless pursuit of Wall Street wrongdoing. As attorney general, he also had prosecuted at least two prostitution rings as head of the state’s organized crime task force.

In one such case in 2004, Mr. Spitzer spoke with revulsion and anger after announcing the arrest of 16 people for operating a high-end prostitution ring out of Staten Island.

“This was a sophisticated and lucrative operation with a multitiered management structure,” Mr. Spitzer said at the time. “It was, however, nothing more than a prostitution ring.”

[pnwmom]

231. Yeah, but he was talking about the operators, not the Johns.

Guess that's how he rationalized it. Or maybe he fell into this situation between then and now?

[WinkyDink]

246. "fell into"? I'm inclined to think there was very free will involved!

[pnwmom]

250. Free will, yes. But I'm also inclined to think, given the enemies he's made,

that he was set up.

[JPZenger]

249. It should be a misdemeanor with a fine and probation

This really smells, to be targeted with a Federal wiretap and then charged with a Federal felony, after you piss off the most powerful corporations in the Universe.

If he is guilty, he should be treated like anyone else - which I guess is typically a misdemeanor with a fine and probation.

[JPZenger]

253. Almost every politician has some skeleton in his closet

J. Edgar Hoover was able to stay in power for many decades because he had files on everyone in Washington. He wasted resources of the FBI wiretapping everyone's bedrooms. Then, he would let the person know that he knew. That put them under Hoover's control, because they knew the file could be released at any time.

I read a book that interviewed high priced prostitutes who served the elite of Washington. Although the book purposefully did not include any names, it included many stories about politicians being obsessed with bondage games. I guess they really like power over others.

[Danieljay]

252. ya it wouln't matter if it were Republican hypocritical gay stranger sex in public bathrooms. n/t

[Traction311]

443. We don't yet know the age of the call girl

Yes, I said call girl. At $5,500 an hour, she's no hooker. BIG difference.

[aquart]

228. Always watch the quiet ones.

At least Bill used volunteers.

[pnwmom]

233. Hah! n/t

[Diana Prince]

230. Call me paranoid

he just happened to be heard on a federal wiretap.

[pnwmom]

234. I was wondering about the wiretap, too.

Welcome to DU, marn999.

[laylah]

251. That was my first

thought also! That, and his text messages. Welcome marn999. I wish my greeting could have been made under happier circumstances.

[dave123williams]

236. I quote George Carllin:

"Selling is legal. Fucking is legal. So, why isn't selling fucking legal?"

[rateyes]

237. Dumbass.

[gmudem]

240. This is very disappointing for me.

I thought Spitzer was going to be a great governor that New Yorkers could count on for at least a couple terms, and I saw him as a future presidential candidate as well. I am really shocked and disappointed in Spitzer.

[Liberalynn]

242. Ditto

Why do these intelligent men think they aren't going to get caught? Why do they throw all this potential away?

[Orsino]

255. Ethics are for little people, I guess...

...and Spitzer joins a long list of moralists who won't practice what they preach.

[WarholPop]

257. There Are Links To Gambino Crime Family

Read the complaint: http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/03/spitzer_is_the_story_of_the_da.php

[Puckster]

260. A wiretap was used to record him contacting a hooker.

Now, I don't defend him when it comes to messing around on his wife, etc. but this should show you what the current administration is really using wiretapping for. I said from the beginning that 9/11 was just an excuse to use wiretapping to spy on political opponents, and here we have it. There will be more of this kind of thing, but only against politicians with a D after their name. At least Spitzer is a garden variety deviant, not foot-tapping total strangers in an airport bathroom, or creeping out underage pages!

[benld74]

261. DUMB ASS!!!!

[ExtraGriz]

263. i sympathize with his family...

crap, bad news and sad to see any democrats having to go through this.

[GeniusLib]

264. I wonder how many people this hypocritcal scumbag locked up for prostitution?

[SkullRock67]

265. Eliot Should Have listened to Riskay!

Eliot should have listened to Riskay's song that Howard Stern
played last week, Smell Yo D**k

Very funny and suits this perfectly.  Maybe it can be his wife
theme song...I'm getting it off iTunes today.

[rocktivity]

266. Thanks a million, Spitzie!

And I'm sure Hillary appreciates it, too.

You couldn't have picked a better time to take away the Dems' moral high ground--what with the election, wasn't there ENOUGH going on??? I guess you didn't learn anything from what happened to Gary Condit--I'm not going to cut YOU any slack, either!!!

x(
rocknation

[superconnected]

269. How does this happen?

Is it ego, or just plain underlying corruption while trying to pass oneself off as being "moral"?

I don't really care how it happens though. I hope this smuck gets kicked out of office.

He's an embarassment now. And he's a fake and a liar. It's too bad the little wife doesn't kick his ass out on the pavement.

[Tatiana]

271. Dammit, WHY Spitz??? WHY!!!! Politics so f*ing corrupting. n/t

[Rosa Luxemburg]

295. 9/11?

[TheCowsCameHome]

273. I hope she was worth it, Eliot.

What is wrong with these people???????????????

Do they really believe they won't get caught?

[humbled_opinion]

280. I heard...

She could suck a golf ball through a garden hose so that ought to give some clue if she was worth it..

LOL

[TheCowsCameHome]

282. Like the saying goes, everybody loves a bargain.......................

:rofl:

[williesgirl]

275. It really pisses me off when they always trot out their wives to face their humiliation. Why do they

do this? If it were me, I'd tell him fuck no - go out there on your own the way you did when you met up with this woman.

[truebrit71]

277. Why? To answer the question "Has she kicked him sqaurely in the balls yet..and if not...how close is

..that to happening on live teevee..."

I have no idea why though...

[peaches2003]

284. My thoughts exactly

The minute the little woman submits to that humiliation and with it tries to make it appear she is 'supporting' him and he is a victim, I lose all sympathy for her.

[TheCowsCameHome]

288. He'll be lucky not to be singing soprano after this is over.

[ckramer]

278. Reads better than an X rated novel

Whew!

[kirby]

286. INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY!

Remember that folks!

[TheCowsCameHome]

289. Right. There was no need to apologize to everyone, Eliot.

You're innocent.

[ohio2007]

--- But in the first sentence of the article he said he was involved in the ring

unless he's telling a lie to himself

[skipos]

294. Why is it so hard for men to control their wieners?

Good riddance, hypocrite.

[Thothmes]

318. testosterone

[Counciltucky]

297. Eek...

(That said, I think prostitution should be legal.)

[robcon]

298. He has to resign. He set himself up for blackmail.

Incredibly poor judgment and low morality. That's all there is to say.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

317. strange though

[nam78_two]

302. If this turns out to be true, I hope he steps down ASAP

Most disappointing (if true)....

[chelsea0011]

304. Did you have to trot out the wife at the press conference?

Please leave the significant others home during these stupid scandals. Oh, don't let the door hit you on the way out. I thought you coulda been a contender.

[Rhiannon12866]

306. MSNBC is calling this a "victimless crime." What about Spitzer's wife and three teen daughters?

Somehow, I don't think that they'll see it that way, depending on what comes out. And then there are the people of NY, who saw him as an "anti-corruption" hero. Like me, and most of the friends I know best, who voted for him in good faith... :-(

[DavidMS]

432. I have to disagree

It is a victim less crime. He paid the whore. She provided the service. There was no coercion.

From a civil prospective, his wife could divorce him, and play out a soap opera on the front page of the NY Times. But I doubt it.

Spitzer may have prosecuted prostitution operations, but he was no moral prude (2 in 8 years). He made his mark not on whores but on wall street. There is a big difference.

I hope he rides this one out and comes out stronger for it. I doubt the next democratic president will make him AG, but I can still hope.

And perhaps, get the MANN Act off the books.

If I don't want the MUTAWA harassing me, I would urge the legalization of prostitution. What Informed Consenting Adults do (in private) is their business.

And for $5500, I am wondering exactly who got exploited.

[Rhiannon12866]

480. Take a look at his wife's face in that press conference and tell me that nobody got hurt here.

And if you were one of his teen-age daughters, would you feel like going to school with this all over the news? Being a teen-ager is rough enough. Poor kids. :-(

I agree that the MANN Act doesn't apply here. Nobody was coerced. As for the $5500, it says something about him that it would cost him that much to hire somebody.:shrug:

[DavidMS]

481. It is lousy for his family

But its not actionable. What "Deliberate Infliction of Emotional Distress?" Come on... All teenagers are tramautized in one way or another.

But its no reason to to through him out of office.

And he still did great things to Wall Street.

I can overlook some 80,000 wasted on call girls.

[Rhiannon12866]

482. That's the thing. Teen-agers are traumatized enough, already.

They cringe when their parents say the wrong thing. I can't imagine those kids ever wanting to face their peers again.x(

And it has yet to be determined if Spitzer did anything actionable. He did do a lot of good, going after the bad guys, but this was just incredibly stupid. Tedisco is calling for him to resign by tomorrow. BTW, Spitzer is my governor and I was pleased to support and vote for him, especially after Pataki...:eyes:

[Rhiannon12866]

484. Coincidentally, I just received this in e-mail from Democrats.com...

Sign the petition: http://savespitzer.com

Dear Governor Spitzer,

Don't let the Republicans and the rightwing media drive you out of office!

You made a lot of powerful enemies in your career because you took on the most powerful crooks on Wall Street. Now your enemies are trying to get even by destroying your career and your life. Don't let them!

The whole investigation by the Bush Administration stinks to high heaven. This isn't a case of "structuring" or "money laundering." The FBI never investigates johns - so why are they investigating you?

The answer is obvious. George Bush and Karl Rove turned the Justice Department into the political destruction arm of the Republican Party. They've prosecuted 5.6 Democrats for every Republican.

That's why former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman is rotting in jail, and that's what they want to do to you.

As Americans, we are outraged by Bush's endless abuses of justice. If anyone should be removed from office, it's George Bush!

Governor Spitzer, please stand and fight against this outrageous and naked partisan Republican assault. We support you!

Sign the petition: http://savespitzer.com

[Thickasabrick]

307. The big difference in Dem sex scandals vs Repug sex scandals is that

Democrats typically don't try to legislate or dictate moral behavior....republicans do and therefore are seen as huge hypocrites...which make the republican scandals about more than sex.

I don't see this as a big deal really.

[acmavm]

314. Well Spitz was CERTAINLY trying to dictate moral behavior. He

prosecuted people for this shit.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

312. just throwing in an interesting little article

http://www.nymegaphone.com/
http://www.nymegaphone.com/node/24
:tinfoilhat:

[Mithreal]

313. You can criticize him all you want but we are all hypocrites about sex

When it comes to sex, nearly all of us are hypocrites.

Evolution has left us in a sad state, we build-up all these rationalizations, superstitions, morals about sex and we still don't understand it or think about it rationally.

There is a difference between prostitution and exploitation, you can have one without the other. It is embarrassing and worse for his family.

Bring on the flames.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

319. Spitzer Expected to Resign

Source: WCBS

Nothing certain yet. Just came live over WCBS

No link yet.

[xultar]

320. WHAT THE MUTHERFUCING GODDAMNED MUTHAFUCKA.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

321. See the other threads...

Prostitution Ring linked to Spitzer. Speculation that the Lt. Gov. may be taking over. The reporter didn't see how Spitzer could continue if this is true.

[MissB]

322. It would be a bit shocking to come on DU and see this thread

without background.

But yeah.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

324. The press conference hasn't started yet...

They're just coming out of commercial now.

He's speaking now.

But it wasn't clear if he resigned.

[MissB]

328. It didn't sound like he was resigning.

[democrat2thecore]

331. He will. Notice he didn't say he was continuing - it will be a written resignation is my guess -nt

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

338. I don't know...

I can't imagine he'd hold a press conference and then resign later. But who knows?

Maybe his staff has decided that they can ride this out.

Edit: The CBS people are reporting that in Albany, they're saying the Spitzer WILL resign and swear in Lt. Gov. Patterson

[superconnected]

412. Wouldn't it be nice if he said the truth - "I'm sorry I got caught"

instead of fake sincerity about how he's sorry for what he did to his family.(but didn't mind doing it anyway).

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

332. WCBS didn't air the whole thing...

What in the hell were they thinking? It sounds as though he's apolgizing, but not resigning.

[rurallib]

330. UH yeah - I just signed on

WTF? - Well if he is guilty. I just hate to see Limballs get any ammunition.

[Habibi]

408. LOL!

I know this is a horrible situation, but your post made me laugh.

Now, back to :cry:

[Warpy]

323. WHY?????

He used a hooker service to get his rocks off.

This is so stupid.

He's not the first man to be caught with his pants around his ankles and he won't be the last. As long as it's consensual, who gives a flying fornication at a rolling doughnut?

[Jacobin]

326. He prosecuted prostitution rings in the past as District Attorney

He needs to go away. Huge disappointment

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

377. Pretty fucking simple.

AG, I think. But same damn thing.

[Warpy]

406. Thanks, but I'm glad he's choosing rehab over resignation

if only because he's also gone after Wall Street crooks.

"All or nothing" has never been a very good idea. Rehab will whittle his ego down to a reasonable size.

I've been out west for a very long time and was unaware that he'd built his initial reputation on crusading against women selling sex for money. Thanks for the information.

Yes, he certainly should have known better. I'd like to be a fly on the wall in rehab to find out how he justified it.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

329. He's been a "Law and Order" politician...

It's pretty darned embarrassing.

[Oleladylib]

382. Even some of us demos have some moral good sense.

[JerseygirlCT]

388. Well, because it's illegal. As the governor, and a former

prosecutor going after these rings, he was well aware of that.

It would seem that his ego got the best of him, and he came to that dangerous place too many in power do: the place where the rules are for the other people.

[Fenris]

325. Here's the WCBS link

http://wcbstv.com/breakingnewsalerts/spitzer.prostitution.ring.2.673848.html

[La Lioness Priyanka]

327. fuck fuck fuck

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

334. There's joke there, but I won't make it...

But he may not be resigning, after all.

[ps1074]

333. $5500 an hour

Some quite expensive prostitutes :eyes:

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

335. I'd nail anybody on DU for half that price...

nt

[ps1074]

344. I doubt there will be any takers

:rofl:

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

346. $5 and a Snickers Bar?

Anybody?

[ps1074]

358. Are you good at it?

:shrug:

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

363. You Bet!

Would a near-sighted, overweight, 47-year-old with a hairy back lie to you?

[NikolaC]

387. lol

Thanks for the much needed laugh. There is too little of that here on DU at times.

[Divernan]

417. If you're into S&M, you could let them wax your back! Ouch!

[ladywnch]

360. a real Snickers bar or one of those lil mini things?

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

361. I think in my case, one of the mini-things would be sufficient...

If you catch my drift.

[AngryAmish]

362. Maybe a movie-sized?

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

366. Animated Short Subjects?

nt

[renate]

398. good one!

:rofl: and :applause:

With a great sense of humor like that, even if you were endowed with an M&M you'd still have no problem!

[flamingyouth]

337. Wow.

:wow:

[Thothmes]

421. Nothing but the best for the Governor

[Fredda Weinberg]

336. Didn't happen n/t

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

342. Yet...

There's a lot of speculation -- to the effect that Spitzer will resign later (today? this week?).

They're saying he was a client and that they have recorded phone conversations.

[Fredda Weinberg]

345. Speculate all you want. There won't be a resignation today ... the

statement is already released

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

349. The statement was ambiguous...

"I'll get back to you in short order" is what he said. He didn't elaborate (didn't even specifically mention the prostitution ring) and didn't take any questions.

[Fredda Weinberg]

355. He said the work would continue. Nothing ambiguous n/t

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

359. We'll see...

This is not a small thing. Spitzer's rise was based on his personal integrity.

[Fredda Weinberg]

373. No ... it was his willingness to take on Wall Street swindlers n/t

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

378. It was both...

I've no doubt there are some who wanted to see Spitzer take a fall, just as there were those who wanted to torpedo Bill Clinton. Had both of them kept their pants zipped, they could have avoided a lot of trouble.

I'm just sick about this. Despite it all, I still consider Spitzer one of the good guys.

But, dammit, when are these guys going to learn that this just isnt' worth it?

[Fredda Weinberg]

381. I don't expect men to change. This revelation about Spitzer doesn't

bother me in the least. He messed up his chances long ago when he failed to strike Bruno fatally.

[Irishonly]

365. and text messages n/t

[Robbien]

348. He worded it very carefully. "Taking time to work it out with family

Not taking questions. Thank You. EOM."

Yup. He is still Governor at this moment.

[Robbien]

339. Lt. Governor of NY is a great guy.

Losing Spitzer is bad news.

The Lt. Governor Patterson waiting in the wings will make this not a complete loss. A Progressive no less.

[Oleladylib]

384. absolutely true..Patterson..correct?!

[onehandle]

340. What happens if he resigns? Does NY have a Lieutenant Governor to step in?

Must there be a special election? What?

[kskiska]

341. Why do we continue to be surprised?

Maybe we should just accept the premise that all men are vulnerable to this sort of thing.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

343. At $5,500 per hour, I can assure you that I am invulnerable...

No way I can spend that much money while simultanously maintaining an erection.

[kskiska]

347. Well, we can be surprised at the exceptions to the rule.

[halobeam]

415. LMAO.

>>>>"No way I can spend that much money while simultaneously maintaining an erection."<<<<




:rofl: :rofl: That's a DUzy!

[closeupready]

350. then stop enforcing vice laws that criminalize behavior to which all men can fall victim to.

THAT'S where Spitzer effed up, IMHO.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

352. Here's hoping the DU feminists aren't on board today...

Otherwise, you're about to be lit up like a Christmas tree.

[StatGirl]

369. We're everywhere!

This just demonstrates why women should hold most elective offices. We may bake cookies for the dog :sarcasm: , but we're a lot less likely to be caught breaking prostitution laws.

Seriously, though, I can't describe how disappointed I am. I can't believe he would be this f*cking stupid. He has seriously damaged the anti-corporatocracy cause.

[xxqqqzme]

416. I'm w/ you...WTF

is going on w/ these guys? They're in the public eye; Don't they know they will get caught?

This is a HUGE disappointment.

That's all everything else I can think of is just exploding w/ double meaning(see?).

[Divernan]

418. I think it's the dangerous thrill of "sinning" & risking everything

The more moralistic and self righteous a person is, the greater the thrill of committing a sin.

It is incredibly stupid - risking your career and your marriage (and wealth/style of living if you end up divorced) and your children's respect - all on the chance that a prostitute or her pimp/employer will not sell you out to National Enquirer or blackmail you.

[kskiska]

374. Maybe he should have done it in Vegas.

[JerseygirlCT]

391. "Behavior to which all men can fall victim to"????

There's just so much wrong with that!

So the men breaking the law and using prostitutes are the victims here?

And all men are susceptible to illegal behavior? Is it your opinion that men think with their genitalia, and have no ability to control their own behavior?

There are good reasons prostitution is illegal, not the least of which is the abuse of women.

There is no way to twist this into Spitzer being a victim. He knew what he was doing, and did it anyway. Saying what you did is insulting to all the men out there who know and follow the law, and for that matter, respect their wives and marriage vows.

[closeupready]

394. Prostitution should not be illegal. Sex slavery? Absolutely.

Not the same thing.

[JerseygirlCT]

395. You know what? That's a nice discussion for another time. Right

now, what matters is that it IS illegal, he knew that fully well, and he did it anyway.

The time to argue about the laws isn't after you've broken them.

[closeupready]

397. Um, HUH? I was responding to ksiska. Take it up with him/her, not me.

but if it gets post in this thread and I want to respond, I will, whether or not it's on topic.

Better yet, go run to the moderator and complain.

[JerseygirlCT]

399. Not complaining, and your post was showing in response to mine

My point is, any discussion about whether it SHOULD be illegal isn't at all pertinent to the case at hand. It IS illegal, and he knew it.

[closeupready]

401. Agreed.

n/t

[closeupready]

396. And another thing: Jackie Kennedy believed that basically all men fool around.

I don't know if she really thought ALL men fooled around or most of them, or most of the desirable ones do, but she was correct, IMO.

[JerseygirlCT]

400. Well, I guess I know better men than she did nt

[closeupready]

402. To which she would respond,

"You just THINK you do." ;) Just kidding.

cheers. :hi:

[JerseygirlCT]

404. And to you

:toast:

[JerseygirlCT]

389. You know, I'm just not willing to do that

It lets them off far too easily.

Why should expectations of behavior be lowered so some men won't disappoint? That's insulting to all the men out there who DO know how to behave. And there are plenty of them.

[Born_A_Truman]

351. MSNBC playing press conference

Same as the audio they had on a few minutes ago. His wife was standing beside him and she looks more than exhausted (and very sad).

[rox63]

353. Why are David Vitter and Larry Craig still in the Senate?

Why does the law apply to Democrats and not to Republicans?

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

354. IOKIYAR

It's a well-known political principle...

("It's OK If You're A Republican")

[mac2]

410. Hypocrisy of the media and Congress

[Name removed]

372. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

379. Frank wasn't "connected" to a prostitution ring...

As I recall, it was a former staffer who was living in Frank's apartment. He was using Frank's phone and address without his knowing it.

That a BIG difference.

[Gormy Cuss]

386. Close.

He was an "escort when Barney met him. I don't recall there being much doubt at the time that Frank knew how Gobie earned a living in the past -- the issue was whether Frank had any knowledge of the conduct while living in Frank's apartment and the ethics committee cleared him on that. IIRC, Frank actually asked for the ethics review.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

475. I stand corrected...

In any case, it's nothing like the poster suggested.

[BobbyVan]

383. It's more of a Legislative Branch vs. Executive Branch issue

People in the Executive are held to a higher standard, typically.

When looking at the Palfrey case, look at Tobias vs. Vitter. Tobias resigned, Vitter didn't. Both were Republicans.

[pajjr]

356. Damn

What a shame!

[RavensChick]

357. Get out!!!!!!

Totally unbelievable! When are these men gonna learn you play, you pay? Now New York is gonna be under some serious scrutiny because of this. Sad, and I got relatives near Syracuse! How embarrassing this is!

To the wonderful state of New York, you have my sympathies.

[Gala328]

364. What If?

Is it possible he has been set up?

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

367. I doubt it...

His press conference sounded like he was righteously guilty, "I haven't lived up to the standards that I've set for myself" or something to that effect.

[RavensChick]

376. That's a good point,

but my question is what has he done (or not done) to warrant something like this? It's not like he's running the state into the ground fiscally or socially or environmentally. I'm just guessing because I have'nt heard much about him until this fiasco.

[CreekDog]

405. I disagree

Apparently he did pay. :rofl:

[galledgoblin]

368. oh fuck, I hope not (n/t)

[Bilbo Heugan]

370. Why should he resign. That's not called for.

The GOP boys in the same kiss and run club wouldn't resign. They'd stand there in front of gawd and country and refuse to step down. Bill Clinton didn't step down and his popularity went up. When will Democrats ever wake up and finally start fighting like their opponents?

[Thepricebreaker]

409. I hear smoking crack is a bad thing....

[superconnected]

413. Let's not except dems who behave like republicans.

Let's make them accountable for their behavior.

This guy lied and misrepresented himself. He chose to, nobody forced him to run on "morals" and then sleep with a hooker. He needs to be out of office and someone who can rise to being an honest(or at least pull it off) governor needs to be put in.

[nels25]

371. Hey Jeff - WGN radio in Chicago

reported speculation that Spitzer may also be facing an indictment and knows it.

No solid facts on it though only speculation by one of their news men.

:hi:

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

375. Yikes...

Upthread I mentioned that the CBS people were saying their sources report that they have him on tape. But that was all they knew -- and I would stress that this is totally unsourced.

[brentspeak]

380. His short tenure as Governor has already been a disaster before this

[NikolaC]

385. I Don't Give A Damn

who the hell he had sex with, not my business. It is between him, his family and the pro he was with. What I care about is the fact that the stupid moron did this knowing damn well that he could get caught being the damn governor of NY. WHAT THE HELL????? He just gave the Pugs something to cream themselves over and crow about night and day in the media. Yet another excuse for the media to push Iraq, Afghanistan, oil prices, FISA telecom immunity, etc. off of the top story list. DAMNIT what an idiot!:rant:

[iris5426]

390. .

:applause:

[JerseygirlCT]

392. Exactly

Like B. Clinton not being able to control his behavior until he was out of office, this just ticks me off. Keep it in your pants and quit causing a mess for so many other people because of your selfish indulgences!

[gimberly]

393. Punchline: Chooser up and Spitzer out

[Sabriel]

403. He's resigning to spend more time with his hooker.

It had to be said....

(What did you expect, family?)

[Habibi]

407. If he's guilty, his only recourse is to resign. Period.

We don't need this shit front and center every damn fucking day leading up to the election.

[superconnected]

411. 2nd rec.

[CubicleGuy]

414. Gosh, you'd think...

... that he had tapped a policeman's foot and reached underneath a public bathroom stall or something.

If we're capable of ignoring serious war crimes and misdemeanors in our President, surely we can ignore a little hanky-panky in one of our governors.

Oh, wait, though; this involves sex. I guess this is the sort of thing we try to throw people out of office for.

My bad.

[bitchkitty]

419. He should not resign...

but he no doubt will. Genital politics - he had sex with a prostitute! Eek!

Sometimes I wish I lived in Italy or France.

[robcon]

420. He should, and will resign, IMO. It's not the sex with the prostitutes.

It's the fact that a powerful politician put himself in a blackmail situation. Poor judgment. Out he goes.

[DainBramaged]

457. He didn't boink her, he MADE A PHONE CALL

[JerseygirlCT]

422. But the point is that what he did - quite knowingly - IS illegal

and truly, no one in NY should know that more than he does.

So he should resign. He broke the law. We're not talking a speeding ticket here, you know?

It sucks. But really the only person to blame in it is Spitzer himself.

[Doctor_J]

424. So what? Larry Vitter got a standing ovation from his GOP senate colleagues

after admitting to frequent use of prostitutes. IMO Spitzer should say, "I'll resign right after Senator Vitter does".

[JerseygirlCT]

425. Do you mean David Vitter, or Larry Craig? nt

[Canuckistanian]

423. I just heard an interview about this on CBC radio

They interviewed a reporter from New York Magazine.

The reporter was saying in sombre tones that he didn't see how Spitzer could avoid resigning.

WTF?

He wasn't CHARGED with anything and it wasn't even clear that he WOULD be charged with anything.

This was a PERSONAL matter and considering that his WIFE was standing there with him, I think he should stay on.

Hey, if Ernie Fletcher of KY can remain governor even AFTER being indicted, Speitzer should be able to as well.

[UpInArms]

427. Spitzer should resign when Larry Craig does and not a moment before

I am sick and tired of the double standards being applied.

When the corrupt freakin' R's have caused all the troubles in the world - and Spitzer has to resign?????

Fuck this whole goddamn mess.

It stinks and I hate them all.

:grr:

[Zorra]

441. He should. What a dumbass. n/t

[Penndems]

433. What a shock this is, an UNBELIEVABLE shock

It's like finding out that Eliot Ness was on the take. Spitzer is supposed to be one of the good guys, one of the "Untouchables".

I had such high hopes for him as Governor. The man brought down the Gambino crime family and Wall Street crooks, and now he's under investigation for allegedly being a member of a prostitution ring and violation of the Mann Act.

The full story has yet to come out; hopefully, we'll know more within the next few days. In the meantime though, he's let down not only his wife and family, but also the people of New York.

He's got some serious explaining to do. :mad: :mad:

[AlphaCentauri]

446. prostitution should be legal

I can't see no one calling pornography a type of prostitution.

[Thepricebreaker]

483. ...but its not - sooooo.. he broke the law..

[AlphaCentauri]

485. The FBI it's not braking into the XXX video studios to press prostitution charges against them n/t

[truebluecollar]

460. Spitzer Schtups a Shikse

selling seashells by the sea-shore of Seychelles. Three times real fast.

[amborin]

461. this is heartbreaking

Spitzer routed out so much corruption as AG, he went after AIG, and all those Wall Street crooks

it is so tragic for him, his wife, kids, and his father....remember how his father helped him financially with his gubenatorial campaign?

what agony they must all be experiencing now

we have to put ourselves in his shoes, maybe he was experiencing problems in his marriage, 48 is the age of male midlife crisis, a whore is better than an affair, right?

whatever, it is very sad, for Spitzer and for dems

[cstanleytech]

463. I *yawned* when I heard.

I mean come on he is just as human as anyone else so big deal.
Frankly I rather our government focus on more important things like the rising debt, border security, ending the Iraq war, catching Bin Laden and other assorted things rather than if 2 consenting adults are exchanging sex for money.

[mojowork_n]

465. Here's a link that actually has some information, to feed MORE speculation.

http://firedoglake.com/2008/03/10/some-questions-about-the-spitzer-incident/

Excerpt:

"ABC is reporting that Eliot Spitzer came under the attention of the Feds because his bank reported "suspicious money transfers" to the IRS. The Justice Department brought it to the FBI's Public Corruption Squad, who looked into it and found that payments were made to a company called QET, which did business as The Emperor's Club.

All kinds of questions arise here:

1. Why would the bank tell the IRS and not Spitzer himself if there was a suspicious transfer? Spitzer is a longtime client, a rich guy and the governor. We're talking thousands of dollars here, not millions. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense that they spotted a "suspicious transfer" made by the governor, and that this is how things began. It's possible it was just ordinary paperwork the bank had to file with the government whenever some particular flag was raised, but if that's the case, why did the DoJ go to DefCon 3?

2. What is a USA doing prosecuting a prostitution case? This isn't normally what the feds spend their time with.

3. Mike Garcia is a Chertoff crony. Sources familiar with the investigation say that he sent a prosecution memo to DC two months ago asking for authority to indict a public figure (Spitzer). Which means they had their case made long before the wire tap of February 13. Why did they then include this line from that conversation in the complaint?

There's more...

[Thepricebreaker]

468. What a fucking double standard we have here.. HOLY SHIT... some people here are crazy

How can anyone sit here and defend this man? If this was a rephuk we would be screaming bloody murder. We have to show how DIFFERENT we are... If one of our people broke the law.. they RESIGN ASAP! You want him to hold on? Show the world the democrats can fuck a pro, break laws and still stay in office? A (D) after your name does not give you immunity from the law, public opinion, and dare I say the scorn from this message board. Fuck him, he should have left yesterday... Everyday in office hurts our party.. GET THE FUCK OUT NOW.

[humbled_opinion]

478. Sure he should resign just as quickly....

as old shoe tapper resigned.... Oh damn thats right it hasn't happened yet... Democrats held to a higher ethical standard then Repukes even though its the repukes that stake claim to family values... get real...

[lanlady]

469. sadly, he needs to go

They have him on tape ("Client9") arranging to bring the hooker from NYC to his Washington hotel room. Interstate solicitation of prostitutes is a felony, folks. Looks like he'll be charged.

I feel badly for his very beautiful wife, who looked like a wreck yesterday. Why did she agree to be stand there with him, how could he ask her to do that? Some men just can't be happy with what they have.

[Ordr]

471. HA!

Well, I guess his wife can run for president now.

[humbled_opinion]

479. Wow.... Ouch.... No matter how things Change

The more they reamin the same.

[ryanmuegge]

472. This is a political prosecution: a warning to any politician who wants to piss off Wall Street.

Just listen to the RNC tabloid talking points Scarborough is trumpeting today: he's a hypocrite because he thought Wall Street should be more regulated AND he liked to fuck chicks. Because the two are so closely connected, you know?

Another interesting point: there is all of this coverage about, "oh, look at what he has done to his poor wife, and all of this other bullshit," but none of this shit was said during the Larry Craig incident. Get ready for more tabloid coverage all week.

Some dude likes to get pussy by fucking hookers. Meanwhile, the world burns (literally) and we're staring down the greatest economic meltdown we have ever seen.

[robcon]

473. I think he should have said: "I did not live up to the standards I set for others."

Instead he said "I did not live up to the standards I set for myself."

Spitzer doesn't get it... it's the hypocrisy (as well as setting the governor up for blackmail.)

Spitzer's high profile arrest of a prostitution ring on Staten Island in 2004...

"This was a sophisticated and lucrative operation with a multitiered management structure," the then-state attorney general declared. "It was, however, nothing more than a prostitution ring, and now its owners and operators will be held accountable."

Spitzer made the operation sound like some big-money call girl ring catering to the ultrarich. The truth is it operated out of Staten Island storefronts and the hookers turned in their proceeds at a Dunkin' Donuts.

Spitzer's office joined with the feds in making a big criminal enterprise case that swept up even the hapless hookers. The purported "kingpin," Frank Farella, took a plea of two to six years after the prosecutors threatened a much stiffer sentence if he went to trial..."
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/03/11/2008-03-11_spitzers_toughtalking_holierthanthou_the.html

[Massachusetts]

476. The Game of Hide The Weenie

Eliot Lost.

I don't get it, his wife looks HOT.

[TexasBushwhacker]

477. It's not just about prostitution ....

It was also money laundering and that's why it was being investigated by the Feds. No one cares where he puts his dick. Large prostitution operations often involve drugs, money laundering, organized crime, tax evasion, etc. etc. The thing is, Spitzer knows this, and yet he JUST HAD TO DO IT. On the day before Valentine's Day, no less. I say good riddance.

[NoSheep]

489. I honestly don't care who they have sex with-it's what they do with my money

that bothers me.