Does the public deserve answers from Gov. Eliot Spitzer?
Most certainly we deserve leadership. Spitzer gave a brief statement of apology this afternoon in New York City, “I apologize first and most importantly to my family. I apologize to the public whom I promised better.” He said he would “dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family” and had canceled his public schedule for the day.
“The sheriff of Wall Street” who morphed into a “steamroller” of a governor, ended his one-minute press conference by saying, “I will report back to you in short order,” then again thanking attendees and high-tailing it out of there. As he walked away, he was repeatedly asked if he was resigning; Spitzer walked quickly strode out, and a metal door slammed behind him.
The governor, he of quick temper and dogged pursuit of corporate wrongdoers, has admitted a mistake. He has let down his family. He has not, though, let us know if our state leadership, hammering out a budget plan that will certainly pinch many, has, well, a leader.
In short order, indeed, today, the governor must either answer all questions, or resign. We don’t get it both ways, and neither does he.
Sources have identified Gov. Spitzer as “Client No. 9” who was caught on a federal wiretap arranging to meet with a high-priced prostitute at a Washington hotel last month.
How much time does Spitzer need to mend his personal life? That is a question for his family, and frankly, it’s none of our business.
How much time should he get to determine his political future? A New York minute. The state can spare no less for a leadership vacuum.