Breaking: New York Governor Eliot Spitzer Involved With Prostitution Ring!!!
Guess we picked our Lawyer of the Day too soon.
Update (2:30 PM): Press conference scheduled for 2:15 p.m., but Governor Spitzer is running 15 minutes late. "I don't blame him," said Ben Smith of the Politico, interviewed just now on CNN.
Update (2:35 PM): Jeffrey Toobin, who was an HLS classmate of Eliot Spitzer, described the news as "a total shock." He said Spitzer has been "nothing but a straight arrow" for many years.
Update (2:50 PM): Still no press conference. Brooke Masters, author of Spoiling for a Fight: The Rise of Eliot Spitzer, was just interviewed on CNN. She noted that this scandal comes at a bad time for Spitzer politically, in the wake of last year's scandal involving his misuse of the State Police for political purposes.
Update (3 PM): We're stepping away for a bit, to give a talk at Stanford Law School. We'll be back online as soon as we can. Some content will be posted while we're gone (material prepared ahead of time, not Spitzer updates).
Developing... Check back for updates.
Spitzer Is Linked to Prostitution Ring [New York TImes]
(144) Comments
Ha!!!
The Clinton Legacy:
----------------------
Impeachment
Lewinsky
WhiteWater
Waco Slaughter
Paula Jones
Welfare "Reform"
Don't Ask Don't Tell
Healthcare Task Force Secret Meetings
Nannygate
Travelgate
"Talking" to Eleanor Roosevelt through a Psychic
Perjury
Failure to Hunt Osama
Republican Revolution
George W. Bush
Iraq War
-----------------------------
NO THANKS.
he won't be the FIRST and won't be the last
Spitzer is selling his body for cash!
He always seemed pretty sanctimonious but...this is still shocking. Let's hope for lots of juicy details.
AWESOME! I hate that guy.
Spitzer and Clinton are buddies, ergo, Clinton is a prostitute!
He is getting a BEEJER before his press conference... who will replace him? Can he apologize and move on? This is NYC!
LAT - BAN 2:29 ALREADY -- That is ridiculous abuse of repeat posts.
Four More Years? to BANNED!
"emporer club VIP" how cheesy is that? Why couldn't Spitzer get an escort off of Craig's List like the rest of us....hipster teachers need money too!
What is America coming to? Back in the day, being a politician meant enjoying the finer things in life. First they take the kickbacks. And now the prostitutes? Think I'll stay in the private sector.
doesn't "Straight Arrow" have a prett overt sexual connotation?
He should just announce that he is a proud heterosexual American, ask everyone's forgiveness, and move on.
I love that it was an online prostitution ring.
I am unclear why this is news? Is it WRONG to get an escort?
2:39, it's only wrong if you've been the sort of loud, holier than thou, sanctimonious windbag that Spitzer is. Otherwise, no.
If the ESCORT was a MAN... he is screwed (so to speak)
I applaud Gov Spitzer's heroism and courage for personally going undercover to bust up prostitution rings.
Maybe "Straight Arrow" was his street name.
HA HA HA HA HA HA
It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy!
XOXO,
Teh Def Bar
Spitzer: Just kidding -- I am actually making bid for President!!
Guys in my branch of government used to get publicly harangued for employing the services of a lady of the night all the time. It was no big deal.
Unless the hooker is a boy or dead (as the old saying goes) Spitzer will be fine.
"Obama Pastors' Sermons May Violate Tax Laws" LAT REFUSES TO RUN OBAMA NEWS -- LAT IS BIASED OBAMA FAN!!!
He's an overt supporter of Clinton, in fact.
Young gentlemen at my preparatory academy were wont to engage the services of ladies of the evening at $5,000 per hour, and it was hardly thought to warrant comment.
Emporer VIP has decent selection but was a bit pricey -- and lacks DISCRETION!
maybe he can join the "gay american" at the ex-governor's club.
Couldn't have happen to a nicer guy.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME.. .LAT IS A MCCAIN FAN -- HE RUNS MCCAIN ADDS!
How come the Dow hasn't shot up yet?
2:51 - his stated candidate, at least according to his Facebook bio, is Clinton.
Couldn't have happened to a nicer asshole.
They're probably popping champaign over at the Wall Street Journal.
2:53: Spitzer is a myth and excuse for wall-street to underperform... if he disappears there is no "boogey man" and Wall sTreet will have to actually make money (till they find another boogeyman).
2:46(i), the exact phrase is being found in bed with a "dead girl or live boy"!
HAS SPITZER SHOT HIMSELF?!?!
No worries, 2:56: Obama's got that covered for us.
Wall Street to confiscatory tax rates!
Why is this a "total shock?" What's the big fucking deal?
I dunno, it just doesn't bother me... anyone should be able to bang hookers if they want to. I think it shows poor judgment to pay that kind of cash for one, but to each his own.
the nytimes language is prostitute not escort and we all know the nytimes is not an institution prone to bouts of sensationalism to sell papers...
just kidding...how many political sex scandals has the times broke in the last month now?
Lat is a Hildog fan so running a McCain ad doesn't make him a sellout because she wont face McCain
Wonder if there is anyone else on the list...
Well, I guess we all know what the subject of Toobin's next book will be:
"The (Sixty-) Nine: Inside the Secret World of Eliot Spitzer's Prostitution Ring"
1 in 9 black males age 20-34 is in prison.
if the issue is indeed prostitution and not escort services the problem for spitzer is that his actions are not only immoral but illegal. as the times article points out, spitzer very prominently busted a few prostitution rings himself as AG. from busting up these rings to seeking out their services?! oh eliot we hardly knew ye...
"I dunno, it just doesn't bother me... anyone should be able to bang hookers if they want to."
What about the fact that he prosecuted at least two hooker rings himself? If he was personally sending people to jail for the same activities, I'm not to keen on letting it slide here.
LIVE EXCLUSIVE: CHAT WITH SPITZER HOOKER ON THIS BLOG AT 3:05 PM. POST YOUR QUESTIONS NOW!!!
_____________________________
Shit, Drudge is saying that he's going to resign!!!
Yeah, becuase Sptizers massive investigations didn't help law firms (defending clients) reap MASSIVE bills -- I am sure law firm are REAL upset.
3:00(2) - yeah, it's a bummer. they should get their sh_t together and stop getting in so much trouble.
3:00(2) - yeah, it's a bummer. they should get their sh_t together and stop getting in so much trouble.
DEMOCRAT GOVERNOR LINKED TO HOOKERS-- let the spin begin!
ELIOT SPITZER TO POETIC JUSTICE!
Where are the headlines that mention his party affiliation? Oh, that's right -- they only mention party affiliation in these stories when a Republican is the offender.
Spitzer: He admits nothing except that he acted in way that "violates my obligation to my family".
New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer has been indicted and is expected to resign from office following news reports that he was linked to a high-profile prostitution ring, sources told FOX News Monday.
Spitzer scheduled an abrupt announcement from his office as news reports were breaking that the governor told staffers about his involvement.
Spitzer, who was especially tough on corporate crime as New York attorney general, told his staff Monday that he was involved in the ring, according to The New York Times' Web site, citing an anonymous administration official. No further details regarding his involvement were immediately available.
Breaking News: Refresh for Updates
Just last week, four arrests were made in connection to the high-profile prostitution ring known as the Emperors Club that served big-dollar clients.
Click here to see the Emperors Club Web site.
The Times reports that a source with knowledge of the governor’s role believes the governor is one of the men identified as clients in court papers in the prostitution ring.
The New York Sun reports that the investigation was run by U.S. attorneys who not only were probing individuals linked to the ring, but who are part of the federal public corruption unit that investigates wrongdoing by elected and unelected officials.
Spitzer is married with three children.
Spitzer's popularity has sagged according to recent polls. A January 25 Marist College poll showed 56 percent of registered voters did not approve of Spitzer's job, and he only carried a 35 percent approval rating.
3:26 - that's actually a good point. When it was Larry Craig, no one could say his name without the precursor of Republican Senator. Nowhere have I seen in any headline Democratic Governor of NY.
Dear @3:16 pm:
The NYT post that broke the story mentioned his party affiliation.
Latest from NY Times: Spitzer caught in gov. wiretap arranging to meet a hooker.
Guys in my high school used to be involved in prostitution rings all the time. It was no big deal.
so is he resigning? What did he say in the press conference - Cnn is saying only that he "apologized"
3:16: Remember FoxNews' coverage of Mark Foley when they listed him as a Democrat?
3:18: It's been one hour since the story broke. Relax.
That's all we get? Details! Details!
3:18, how did you know someone would say that at 3:26? You must be clairvoyant!
Hmm... looks like Hillary just lost a superdelegate!!
Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
3:27 - Every once in a while, I can look into the future, albeit only for ten minute chunks at a time. It usually comes to me on Mondays and usually it involves something mundane. Either that or I made a typo.
So Joe Bruno has this much pull with the Feds? Impressive.
Did his date Spit it after?
Anyone have the indictment? Its supposed to have been unsealed...
may be he was getting just a backrub
He was probably set up. Bitches always be settin people up.
What a great day! That useless pig of a man finally gets his comeuppance. Outstanding!
After raping new yorkers of their rights for years (and hoping to rape the nation with the Attorneys General Lawsuit Inc.) The Boy Spitzer now takes it up the backside. Yes!!!
Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!
2:29 sucks. And is a retard. Lat, please delete his posts. There is a reason why he had no friends in high school. Or college. Or now.
3:35: Nice.
was she hot?
Who amongst us didn't go to high school with guys who did stuff like this?
What an idiot.
what a freakin' fool... another arrogant asshole who thinks his "shit don't stink" and he can get away with [fill in the blank]... pathetic.
3:31 - best comment so far
What exactly does one get for $5,500 AN HOUR? I feel like the Emperor's Club is guilty of price gouging if anything.
NY to reasonably priced prostitutes!
Emporor Club VIP - with a name like that, you just know its classy!
How many "diamonds" did the woman Spitzer hire rate?
'For its most valued clients, the Emperor’s Club offered membership in the elite “Icon Club,” with hourly fees starting at $5,500, according to the federal complaint. The club also offered clients the opportunity to purchase direct access to a prostitute without having to contact the agency.'
How does one become a "most valued client"? Is that sort of like Mileage Plus Premier? Is this a frequent f#*&ers program?
Spitzer? I didn't even know 'er.
What a moron. Doesn't he have aids to do the dirty work for him and do fun stuff by himself
3:50 -- now THAT'S the best comment so far.
3:52 -- If he keeps up with the whores, he'll have aids for sho'
I'm glad that piece of shit will be gone.... he is one of the most anti-business attorney general/governors that NY has ever seen
Spitzer called from DC to NY to get a prostitute from NY to come down to DC?
Are the DC working girls not good enough for Spitzer? Or is this fallout from the DC madam case?
Where is the moment we needed the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue skies fade to gray
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on
You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee you go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces every time
And I don't need no carryin' on
Because you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
Will you need a blue sky holiday?
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carryin' on
You had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
(Oooh.. a holiday..)
Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
And I'm not wrong
(yeah...)
So where is the passion when you need it the most
Oh you and I
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
You've seen what you like
And how does it feel for one more time
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
The lesson to take from this is if you are going to patronize a prostitution ring, make sure it is a "low profile" one.
Okay, Smoking Gun copy of indictment says he paid $4300 for two hours for Kristen, 5'5", 105 pounds, and that includes for "extra," but sadly vague as to what the "extra" was.
Poor Silda.
At least Jim McGreevey was monogamous.
5'5" 105 lbs? Was it a 12 year old boy?
his wife went to HLS and worked at Skadden
NYT has the indictment posted too. Check out paragraph 74 et seq. of the attached affidavit.
Spitzer (Client 9) paid $4300 for Kristen, of which part was for her transportation costs from NY, and $1500 extra was to be a deposit towards future appointments (there was some problem with Spitz getting the money there quickly for this appointment).
Spitzer was reputed to be a little "difficult" and might ask girld to do things "that you might not think were safe," but Kristen told her handlers that had had no trouble with him.
The appointment in DC was Feb 13, the night before Valentine's Day - how romantic of him!
Oh shit.
"From what she had been told, "he" (believed to be a reference to Client-9) 'would ask you to do things that, like, you might not think were safe - you know - I mean that . . . very basic things.'"
You stay classy, Eliot!
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/0310082spitzer5.html
*
*
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4:21 to DELETED!
Spitzer to 5-to-10!
corruption goes both ways (spitzer, mcgreevy, foley, craig) so to speak...pardon the pun
[Client] number 9 . . . number 9 . . . number 9 . . . number 9 . . . number 9 . . . number 9
YAWN... he could just ignore it... what are they going to do?
4:24-post of the year.
At least I never paid for it.
3:52, I'm amazed that nobody had said it already.
You sure it was Grover, 4:29, and not some other president?
Hey, for $2600, I want the bareback experience. Is that so wrong?
4:32 -- I never paid for it either.
Photo of him on CNN.com right now is great; love the look on his wife's face.
He was investigating 12-b-yotch fees
The CNN.com photo is AMAZING. What the hell is that face he is making? (is that his, I-got-busted-boinking-a-hooker face?)
Harvard clearly needs more practical training.
How does a State AG who has busted people for this not know how to get away with it?
Direct from the Emperor's Cub Website:
Sorry, the site you requested is temporarily unavailable.
Due to high volume of traffic, this site is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later.
it's a shame they are not publicly traded--stock would be soaring
Emperor's Club to 160k!
Who is really paying? How do you hide a $4300 expense from your family on under $200k a year?
he wanted unprotected sex!!!!! unbelievable, this idiot!
He's going to have to change his name to Elliot Swallows.
@4:01 pm:
No, he just wanted to make sure their was jurisdiction under the Mann Act.
Another reason not to vote for bloody OBAMA! Those guys preach water but drink wine! OBAMA to hookers. Go Hillary, go!
5:03, I don't agree that rubber-free sex was what was being alluded to. Sounds more like Eliot liked a bit of kink.
This is all McCain's fault...can we PLEASE stick it to him!
EPIC FAIL.
The New Yorker ran a profile of Spitzer late last year which made it clear that not only has he gained a lot of enemies over the years, he's also an asshole.
There's a big difference from being a crusading Attorney General and being the CEO of a gigantic state with a failing economy (outside NYC, of course) and a fundamentally dysfunctional state government.
Damn. Well, it's gonna be real interesting to watch this go down.
Is Pataki eligible to run for a fourth term? Or will Andy Cuomo run? Only the Shadow knows...
5:11 -- probably ass-to-mouth
4:25,
"What are they gonna do?"
Umm, prosecute him for a Mann Act violation?
5:15, she's a 5'5" 105lb chick getting romped by ES. The possibilities for what wouldn't be safe for her are pretty endless.
He was asking for a Santorum (www.spreadingsantorum.com) - w/o protection....that's his style.
Obama is the same. Guys like Spitzer and Obama shouldn't be elected!!
Hillary to President!
i spit on spitzer!
Spitzer - A friend to the working class!
How about this George Fox fellow? He was a donor and friend of Spitzer's. How does Spitzie repay him? Apparently by registerting in a hotel under his name and ordering hookers!
E.S. is clearly into that whole Harvard Thing...Well, he is probably a closet homosexual who does lot of cocaine. That whole Harvard thing.
He definitely never handled the Fisher account....
@5:13 -
"Well, it's gonna be real interesting to watch this go down."
Thats what Spitzer said about Kristen, too.
@5:09, 5:19 -
Yes, with President Hillary Clinton in the oval office, and Bill over in the East Wing, we could be darn sure that there will not be ANY seedy things going in the White House, absolutely not.
New CNN pic up: wifey still looks PISSED.
E.S. is clearly into that whole Harvard Thing.... he is probably a closet homosexual who does lot of cocaine. That whole Harvard thing.
He definitely never handled the Fisher account....
I wonder if #9 refers to his standing in the Emperor Club league tables...
Lesson to be learned, don't be so arrogant as to think you are untouchable. This thing seems like a huge set-up but he brought it on himself. But for the interstate trafficking there is no federal case.
This service (based on the Times article) had operations in DC. Why would they need to send him a girl from NYC (across to state lines) to DC. I haven't read the indictment yet but it sure seams somewhat suspicious.
5:57 -- exactly: bitch set him up!
5:57(1), did you not read the article? It said he got on the phone in DC and had a girl sent down from NYC.
Ladies and gentlemen
This is Client number 9
One, two, three, four, five
I'm down in D.C., so I paid for her ride
To the hotel room around the corner
The pimps say she want some gin and juice
But I really don't wanna
Ho bust like I filed last week
I go in deep 'cause ho's aint cheap
I like Angela, Pamela, Sandra and Rita
And as I continue you know they're getting sweeter
So what can I do? I really beg you, my Lord
To me f**king is just like a sport
Anything fly, it's all good let me dump it
Please set in the trumpet
A little bit of Kristen in my life....
Client No. 9!!!!
4:58--Spitzer has a LOT of family money. His salary is irrelevant to his lifestyle.
Wait, so a big time Hillary supporter/superdelegate gets in trouble, and that is evidence why Obama is bad and why we should vote for Hillary?
Shut up, 6:04. Stop being such a hope-monger.
Ditto 6:02.
4:58, Spitzer's family is fabulously wealthy and powerful. That's why he can "crusade" against rich people and drop $2k/week on two hours of Kristen.