Spitzer quits amid sex scandal
2008-03-12 17:57
New York - New York Governor Eliot Spitzer announced his resignation on Wednesday, succumbing to threats of impeachment and media pressure over his involvement in a prostitution scandal.
"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," Spitzer told reporters in New York, flanked by his wife.
"I can and will ask no less of myself. For his reason I am resigning from the office of governor," effective from Monday, an ashen-faced Spitzer said.
"I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the people's work," he added.
Spitzer is to be replaced by Lieutenant Governor David Paterson, who becomes the state's first black governor and the first blind US governor.