Spitzer's Longest Days
Gov. Eliot Spitzer's personal and political tragedy unfolded rapidly, from the news that he was linked to a prostitution ring to his March 12, 2008, resignation. Some key moments in the scandal:
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Spitzer checks into Room 871 of the Mayflower Hotel in
Washington, D.C., where, federal prosecutors say, he meets a high-priced prostitute at a cost of $4,300.
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Spitzer testifies in front of a congressional subcommittee about regulations on the bond industry.
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Federal prosecutors inform Spitzer he is named in their
investigation into a high-priced prostitution ring. He is referred to as "Client 9" in federal documents.
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Spitzer attends Gridiron Club dinner in Washington, D.C., a white-tie event attended by Washington's elite.
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10:24 a.m.:Spitzer cancels his speech to Family Planning Advocates of New York scheduled for 11 a.m. Some reporters are told that Spitzer is ill while others are told there is a scheduling conflict.
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1:54 p.m.: Spitzer's office says a 2:15 p.m. announcement will be made, but no topic is provided.
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2:10 p.m.: The New York Times reports that Spitzer has told senior advisers he was involved in what federal officials call a prostitution ring.
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2:15-3:25 p.m.: - No announcement from the governor.
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3 p.m.: Lt. Gov. David Paterson substitutes for Spitzer and attends a previously scheduled private meeting with Roman Catholic Cardinal Edward Egan of New York.
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3:25 p.m. In his Manhattan office with wife at his side, Spitzer apologizes to his family and the public on TV. "I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family ... I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family."
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3:27 p.m.: Spitzer goes into seclusion in his Fifth Avenue apartment with his wife and daughters.
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3:33 p.m.: Assembly Republican leader James Tedisco of Schenectady issues the first reaction, saying Spitzer has "disgraced his office and the entire state of New York ... He is unfit to lead our state and unfit to hold public office."
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7 p.m. - Blogs report Spitzer will resign. He doesn't.
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9:20 a.m.: Tedisco tells WHCU Radio in Ithaca that he will call for articles of impeachment against Spitzer if he doesn't resign within 48 hours. Throughout the day, media outlets report he is expected to resign but timeframe is unclear. Spitzer remains in seclusion.
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6:13 p.m.: The Associated Press reports Spitzer may have spent upward of $80,000 on prostitutes over several years
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6:53 p.m.: Spitzer's office releases his Wednesday schedule: "Governor Eliot Spitzer is in New York City and has no public schedule."
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8:38 a.m.: New York Post reports Spitzer will resign on Wednesday and begin informing top aides at 9 a.m.
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9:50 a.m.: The Associated Press reports Spitzer will resign effective Monday, March 17. Lt. Gov. David Paterson will become governor.
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10:17 a.m.: Spitzer's press office puts out media advisory saying the governor will deliver a brief statement at 11:30 a.m. in his New York City office.
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10:45 a.m.: Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, Spitzer's chief political rival: "We are going to partner with the lieutenant governor when he becomes governor. David has always been very open with me, very forthright. I look forward to a positive, productive relationship."
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11:15 a.m.: Spitzer leaves his apartment, accompanied by his wife, in a black SUV. News helicopters track his movements through New York City.
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11:45 a.m.: Spitzer resigns, saying: "I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the people's work."
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Federal prosecutors announce they will not bring criminal charges against Spitzer for his role in the prostitution scandal. Manhattan U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia said that after a thorough investigation, his office found no evidence that Spitzer or his office misused public or campaign funds for prostitution.
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Credits:
AP Archives, Offices of the Governor & Legislative Leaders
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