Spitzer Resigns

"I am deeply sorry i did not live up to what was expected of me," Spitzer said. "For this reason I am resigning from the office of governor."

In good news, New York will get its first ever African-American governor, when Democratic Lt. Gov. David Paterson assumes power next Monday. As Zuzu mentioned in comments, Paterson, who is also legally blind, is "pro-LGBT (up to and including full marriage rights), has openly gay staffers, was the first African-American to serve in a Legislative leadership position in New York, as well as the first African-American lt. gov., is committed to issues of women (including domestic violence), minorities and people with disabilities."

Video of the presser shortly below the fold, with transcript.


Transcript:In the past few days, I have begun to atone for my private failures with my wife, Silda, my children, and my entire family. The remorse I feel will always be with me. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for the love and compassion they have shown me.

From those to whom much is given, much is expected. I have been given much—the love of my family, the faith and trust of the people of New York, and the chance to lead this state. I am deeply sorry that I did not live up to what was expected of me.

To every New Yorker, and to all those who believed in what I tried to stand for, I sincerely apologize.

I look at my time as governor with a sense of what might have been, but I also know that, as a public servant, I, and the remarkable people with whom I worked, have accomplished a great deal. There is much more to be done, and I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the People's work.

Over the course of my public life, I have insisted, I believe correctly, that people, regardless of their position or power, take responsibility for their conduct. I can and will ask no less of myself. For this reason, I am resigning from the office of governor. At Lt. Gov. Paterson's request, the resignation will be effective Monday, March 17, a date that he believes will permit an orderly transition.

I go forward with the belief, as others have said, that, as human beings, our greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. As I leave public life, I will first do what I need to do to help and heal myself and my family. Then I will try once again, outside of politics, to serve the common good and to move toward the ideals and solutions which I believe can build a future of hope and opportunity for us and for our children.

I hope all of New York will join my prayers for my friend David Paterson, as he embarks on his new mission. And I thank the public, once again, for the privilege of service. Thank you very much.