NY Gov. Spitzer involved in prostitution ring

The one comment I have heard the most in the office was "why didn't he do a good job in making sure this highly expensive call-girl business was totally discreet and not attracting the attention of federal agents."

Unfortunately, the rising star amongst the Democrats has hit a potential career-ending roadblock. It would appear that he was a client (known as "Client No. 9") at the Emperors Club VIP which arranges really high-priced call girls with clients in New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Miami, London, and Paris.

His statement:
"I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family,'and violates my, or any, sense of right and wrong,' Spitzer said just now, in a brief public statement, taking no questions. "I apologize first and most importantly to my family. I apologize to the public, whom I promised better.

"I do not believe that politcs, in the long run, is about individuals. It is about ideas, the public good and doing what is best for the state of New York,'' said the father of three, with his wife, Silda, standing at his side. "But I have disappointed, and failed to live up to the standard that I have set for myself.

"I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family,''' the governor told reporters. "I will not be taking any questions... I will report back to you.''

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It appears that the feds are using an almost century-old legislation called the Mann Act of 1910 which makes it a crime to transport someone between states for the purpose of prostitution. Of course, during the early 20th century, prostitution and human trafficking was considered immoral in general. If Spitzer was using a NY-only call girl business, then he won't be charged with a federal crime, and may not even get charged by the state.

Isn't it time for this archaic legislation to be repealed? It is interesting to note that some of the cases involving the Mann Act and the U.S. Supreme Court tells us that "debauchery" can be considered as immoral (1913), consensual sexual liaisons going across state lines was also immoral (1917), and if your marriage is polygamous, that can be considered immoral too (1946).

Of course, everyone is asking whether Gov. Spitzer will resign. WCBS2TV is reporting that Spitzer could resign as soon as tonight, with Lt. Gov. David Paterson being sworn into office right after his announcement. However, some pundits believe he should take the time to weigh his options before stepping down.

Let's take former President Clinton for example. He initially denied having an affair with former White House intern, Monica Lewinsky. That lasted for months, and eventually he admitted in a taped grand jury testimony that he did have an "improper physical relationship" with her. Then he made a nationally televised statement admitting his relationship with Lewinsky was "not appropriate." Since he did committ perjury, he was disbarred in Arkansas and was fined $90,000.

This led to Republicans, who were in control on Congress, to file impeachment charges against President Clinton for obstruction of justice and perjury. After a 21-day trial in the Senate, Clinton was acquitted of all charges and remained in office.

If a President can survive a sex scandal in office, I believe a Governor can survive a prostitution scandal too.

Why is it a surprise? Everyone should know that Washington, D.C. is the pimping capital. It beats flying to Nevada for one of their legal brothels.

At least he admitted the truth to his family and the public. He tells us that he is not perfect. He made a mistake and regretted it. But compared to the rest of the politicians in Albany, he is still probably the least corrupted of the whole bunch.

Spitzer is still probably the only governor that can clean up one of the nation's worst state governments. I really don't think Lt. Gov. Pearson can do much and he has two big shoes that he needs to fill up pretty quickly.

The Smoking Gun - Spitzer Linked to Hooker Probe

NY Times - Spitzer is Linked to Prostitution Ring