Mar 10 2008
Spitzer The Pimp? Or Just Another John? Where Did He Get The Money?
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….
Just asking really. We know he broke the law. We know he violated his oath by looking the other way when crimes were being committed. We know he did not pursue this prostitution ring as he did others. It is fair to ask was there something involved beyond paying full price for some sex? I would say even rich people can be tempted when they can save big $$’s.
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).
AJ,
So do corrupt people just go into politics because it suits them or is it the politics that corrupts them?
This is a badge of honor for a Democrat. Probably gets him his own section at the Clinton Presidential Library and Massage Parlor.
He didn’t resign. 🙁
Whippet1,
My experience is people in power become corrupt as they see themselves above everyone else. Either is possible though.
He instantly becomes the lead VP candidate for Hillary. 😉
Whippet, as a Democrat, I’m sure his character was already questionable.
AJ,
Pretty sad commentary on our disintegrating society. I can’t ever imagine becoming corrupt regardless of how much power I had.
You gotta remember most liberal’s definitions of “good” and “evil”.
I am good, therefore anything I do is good.
My opponents oppose me because I am good and they are evil, therefore everything they do is evil. They should be trapped and punished any way possible, because they are evil
“Laws” are things that the good people (me) use to trap the bad people “them” but of course no one should think they apply to me, because I am good. My college also taught me that life is all about happiness and following my “personal lifestyle choices” and it’s silly to expect some old words on old paper to stand in the way of my self-empowerment.
See why it never occurred to Elliot that he was doing anything wrong?
WWS,
I’ll agree with you on that one!
Spitzer has been a disgrace since he got to Albany. His office remains embroiled in one scandal after another. He’s another one as well, that liked to shake his finger at people. Goes hard on them when they get caught. His approval rating is in the dumps. Even the democrats don’t want him. There was talk of having him impeached even before this latest one broke. But, mostly, these people will never step down…you have to drag them out kicking and screaming.
“the ends always justify the means”
On Spitzer, fom a Kos Klown:
My theory
is that the Bush administration caught this through their wiretaps of Democratic politicians. Yes, tinfoil hat territory, but I’m throwing it out there.
That said, if these allegations are true, Spitzer has to resign.
by existenz on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 11:30:47 AM PDT
[ Parent ]
Gotta give credit to Greta van S. tonite, she made a very good observation tonite as a former defense attorney. Spitzer could easily be looking at multiple charges, and he doesn’t want a trial – prosecutors (just like him) will almost always accept some kind of plea deal as long as they get their scalp on the wall. The only question is what kind of plea deal does he make, and the governor’s office is now a bargaining chip. No sense giving it up without some kind of consideration for the move, and no doubt those are the kinds of negotiations that will be taking place this week.
Like I said…he’ll end up with his own wing at the Clinton Library and Massage Parlor.
The guy is screwed (no pun intended). Well said AJ……I’m still laughing.
I only note that all the usual suspects on the left are already starting with the ‘hey it’s just sex’ story line and how it should just be passed by.
Funny how long have they been repeating Larry Craig as a story, ministers getting gay massage and whatever else.
But let it be one of theirs and all is to be forgiven.
Double standard and hypocrites all.
I don’t think this is about the man’s politics, it is a question of character. The fact that he is a Democrat is embarrassing to his party and all that, but the truth is both parties have had people doing some things they should have known better than to do. It never ceases to amaze me how someone with everything going for them can so royally screw themselves up like this.
No Terrye, WWS (below) coined the Liberal Democrat mindset correctly”
“You gotta remember most liberal’s definitions of “good†and “evilâ€.
I am good, therefore anything I do is good.
My opponents oppose me because I am good and they are evil, therefore everything they do is evil. They should be trapped and punished any way possible, because they are evil
“Laws†are things that the good people (me) use to trap the bad people “them†but of course no one should think they apply to me, because I am good. My college also taught me that life is all about happiness and following my “personal lifestyle choices†and it’s silly to expect some old words on old paper to stand in the way of my self-empowerment.”
Although some Republicans think this way as well, predominently Demorats all think this way. Not just elected ones, people who elect them! The end-result of this kind of thinking (especially in a position of power) is always misery and chaos for as many people as possible. That is why liberals and liberalism must be defeated, Not ‘reasoned’ with, because they are not ‘reasonable’ people and never will be until they are made to pay for the consequences of their ‘superior’ thinking.
Our governments exist entirely of too many legal predators and not enough civil leaders, especially the bigger government entities.
oops…meant to say “consist” rather than “exist”
:-/