Updates Below – even as a ‘John’ did Spitzer get bribes to look the other way?

Democrats never cease to amaze:

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.

Law enforcement officers involved in crime is a serious breach of the public trusts. It is a wonder that Elliot Spitzer could make Bill Clinton look benign in comparison. More here, and more when the details come out. Right now with what is being floated he should resign. But it will be interesting to see if Spitzer is more like Clinton – willing to fight to the last useless breath. One thing is for sure – he makes Rudy Giuliani look damn good in comparison. The special election, if held, will be interesting to watch.

Addendum: Clearly it is obvious how Spitzer was so successful against prostitution rings – he had deep knowledge of how they ran and how they hid from authorities. And it is also clear those prior convictions will be tossed out since Spitzer would obviously gain financially from the removal of competition to his illicit money.

Update: Some intriguing background at Smoking Gun (H/T Huffington Post).

Update: New details now hint Spitzer was just a John, and not a pimp – which I guess is better? Also, I should have realized Spitzer stepping down would not require a special election, the Lt Gov would step in. Still it is all a silly, uselss mess.

Addendum: As I ponder this news I have more questions. Knowing how little government employees make, and recalling the price for a weekend of service was reported to be up to $50K, where did Spitzer get the money? Did he get a discount? Would this be considered a bribe (clearly he was looking the other way in the commission of a crime)? I have no idea of his personal wealth, but someone needs to ask – how could he afford this and if he was given breaks why is this not a bribe to look the other way?

Addendum: Lot’s of bloggers reminding me the man inherited a lot of money – but I still want to know if he got a break anyway!

Addendum: Want to add some more rationale for my question. This is an email I sent out to some bloggers on why it is worth asking the question of whether there was a quid pro quo:

“Even millionaires can be bribed….

Once you start breaking laws then all become fair game. He doesn’t deserve the benefit of any doubt on this because he was charged with prosecuting these crimes. You may be surprised sex was not enough to get him to go to the dark side. He would have some understanding with the ring since he represented a clear and present threat to them.”

I think it is a fair question. He had to have some deal with those running the service or they would never let him near them – too much money at stake.

Addendum: One more thought. This kind of action would cause anyone with a security clearance to get them dropped because of the opportunity to be blackmailed. Clearly Spitzer, being head law enforcement officer in one of the targets of 9-11, was privy to a lot of classified data. As governor he also has access to critical national security information. He was an idiot to expose himself to this kind of leverage from criminals. The guy is screwed (no pun intended).