New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer resigns amid sex scandal and says he
will work to help his family heal.

 NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, USA (MARCH 12, 2008) (NBC) - New York Governor Eliot Spitzer resigned on Wednesday (March 12)
amid a scandal over a $1,000 (USD)-an-hour prostitute, cutting short a career
built on pugnacious investigations of Wall Street crimes and an image of moral
rectitude.
    Lieutenant Governor David Paterson will replace him next Monday (March
17), Spitzer announced in a statement that dwelt on his remorse for
"private failings."
    "Over the course of my public life I have insisted, I believe
correctly, that people, regardless of their position or power, take
responsibility for their conduct.  I can and will ask no less of myself,"
said Spitzer.
    A Democrat, Spitzer had faced intense pressure to resign and
impeachment threats from Republicans since the New York Times reported that he
was caught on a federal wiretap arranging to meet with a prostitute.
    Spitzer, 48 and married with three children, is a former New York state
chief prosecutor who rose to prominence by investigating financial crime with
a vigour that earned him the nickname Sheriff of Wall Street.
    "I am deeply sorry I did not live up to what was expected of me.
To every New Yorker, and to all those who believed in what I tried to stand
for, I sincerely apologize," he said.
    Spitzer made no specific reference to the allegations surrounding
him.
    Governor of the neighbouring state of New Jersey, John Corzine, said
that Spitzer's actions should not tarnish the Democratic party.
    "I think this is an issue of personal mistake, personal judgement
and I don't think it's reflective of a Democrat or Republican issue.  I think
we've seen, unfortunately, human beings from all walks of life who cross
boundaries that are not acceptable," said Corzine.
    The New York Times, citing unnamed law enforcement officials, reported
that Spitzer was the man identified as "Client 9" in a federal
affidavit revealing details from an investigation into a prostitution
ring.
    Client 9 arranged to meet with "Kristen," a prostitute who
charged $1,000 (USD) an hour, on February 13 in a Washington hotel and paid
her $4,300 (USD), the court document said.