New York governor under pressure to quit over sex scandal
Thursday, 13 March 2008
NEW YORK, March 12 (AFP): New York Governor Eliot Spitzer came under mounting pressure to resign Tuesday, a day after the Democratic crusader once known as the "Sheriff of Wall Street" was linked to a prostitution ring.
Republicans in the state assembly gave Spitzer 48 hours to quit or face impeachment proceedings, insisting that the governor, who could face federal charges over the alleged transgression, was not fit for office.
Monday's revelations came as a dramatic fall from grace for Spitzer, a Hillary Clinton ally once considered presidential material and known as "Mr Clean" for taking down organized crime and tackling Wall Street corruption.
Spitzer, 48, indicated Monday he did not intend to step down, at least not immediately, labeling the scandal "a private matter."
Republicans in the state assembly gave Spitzer 48 hours to quit or face impeachment proceedings, insisting that the governor, who could face federal charges over the alleged transgression, was not fit for office.
Monday's revelations came as a dramatic fall from grace for Spitzer, a Hillary Clinton ally once considered presidential material and known as "Mr Clean" for taking down organized crime and tackling Wall Street corruption.
Spitzer, 48, indicated Monday he did not intend to step down, at least not immediately, labeling the scandal "a private matter."