New York, New Governor

O P I N I O N

New Yorkers are going to have to get used to saying Gov. David Paterson. Within hours. Odds are Gov. Eliot Spitzer must step down today after it was disclosed he has been linked to a high-priced prostitution ring. What a yutz! Spitzer earned his reputation as being tough on crime — including prostitution — as the state’s attorney general. Many saw him as bringing refreshing, needed change to ethically-challenged Albany politics when he took office as governor.
     So much for that thought.
     It’s not his first misstep in office. Can you say, Troopergate?
     Of course this news ripples across the presidential race. Spitzer (and Paterson) have been staunch supporters of Sen. Hillary Clinton. MSNBC’s Chris Matthews has already been mentioning Spitzer and Clinton in the same breath and joking there’s no proof she’s been linked to the governor’s troubles… yet! Doesn’t this d’oh-dalliance taint the whole Democratic party? It’s a real lose-lose situation.  
     One pundit on Matthews’ show said this was a victimless crime. What an idiotic thing to say. And try saying that to Spitzer’s poor wife Silda and their children.
     What’s shocking is the level of arrogance and stupidity on the governor’s part. Spitzer is charged with multiple crimes here. Power does indeed corrupt. Unbelievable…

Update: as of 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, Spitzer has not resigned. It will be hard not to, however, with screaming headlines like these:

“Twisted Spitzer – ‘Mr. Clean’ has trouser troubles”

“Pay for Luv Gov”

“Ho No!”

“Spitzer Hookergate Scandal”