This week there was more scandal in government as Elliott Spitzer becomes the newest punch line around the Capitol. A man who has built a solid foundation as public servant, working to bring ethics and morals to New York’s state government, fell hard this week. “Hypocrite of the Year” would be a more fitting title than the one he currently holds.
Governor Spitzer of New York, son of a multimillionaire and graduate of Harvard Law School has spent his adult life in public service. After law school he worked as a clerk for a US district judge, then as an assistant district attorney in New York City. While working in the district attorney’s office and later as the state’s Attorney General, Spitzer developed a reputation for being a hard nose on Wall Street. In particular, Spitzer was tough on prostitution, which turns out to be very ironic, considering his current situation. He was the New York State Attorney General for eight years before he ran for and won the governor’s seat. In his inauguration speech Spitzer proclaimed, “We must transform our government so that it is as ethical and wise as all of New York.” Maybe it’s just me but I don’t think the Governor’s involvement in a prostitution ring is the kind of ethics the people of New York want in their government.
This week the story came out that Governor Spitzer got caught up in a federal investigation for his use of a call girl’s services. Apparently, the IRS was notified of suspicious behavior by his bank when Spitzer began moving around large amounts of money in different ways. According to CNN.com “Federal law requires a banking institution to file a suspicious activity report when the institution suspects a transaction is linked to a federal crime” meaning if $5,000 or more is moved, the bank must notify the IRS. And where there is smoke there is fire because right away a federal wiretap was placed on his phone and he was caught red-handed arranging a meeting with a young woman called “Kristin.”
Spitzer has been accused of using the services of the prosecution ring eight times in the last few months. Because of these allegations, Governor Spitzer has announced that he will resign effective on Monday the 17th, stating that "I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the people's work.” He has not yet been charged with a crime, even though the use of a prostitute is illegal in most states. In addition, the Governor is a political supporter of Hillary Clinton, who is currently in a tight race for the Democratic nomination for president. At the time of this writing there has been no comment from Clinton’s office on the matter.
No matter how much I joke about things like this, it is really upsetting to hear about the kinds of things our elected officials get themselves involved in. Not only involved in but to think they can get away with something like this is unacceptable. They are not above the law just because their job is to make the laws. At a time when public opinion of elected officials is at an all time low, Governor Spitzer’s actions only serve to bring that opinion down even further. Although he has not yet been charged, it is my belief that he is very deserving of an extended visit to one of New York’s finest prisons.
As always, I encourage you to contact me with your suggestions or ideas. I can be reached at my Capitol office (573) 751-1484, or by e-mail at shannon.cooper@house.mo.gov. My mailing address is: Room 310, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.