Uh-Oh

Breaking from the NY Times:

Gov. Eliot Spitzer has informed his most senior administration officials that he had been involved in a prostitution ring, an administration official said this morning.

Mr. Spitzer, who was huddled with his top aides early this afternoon, had hours earlier abruptly canceled his scheduled public events for the day. He is set to make an announcement about 2:15 this afternoon at his Manhattan office.

Bonus hypocrite angle:

As attorney general, he also had prosecuted at least two prostitution rings as head of the state’s organized crime task force.

In one such case in 2004, Mr. Spitzer spoke with revulsion and anger after announcing the arrest of 16 people for operating a high-end prostitution ring out of Staten Island.

“”This was a sophisticated and lucrative operation with a multitiered management structure,” Mr. Spitzer said at the time. ”It was, however, nothing more than a prostitution ring.”

MORE: Fox News just reported that Spitzer will resign.

MORE II: ....and be indicted!

MORE III:  Spitzer just said in his press conference that he "acted in a way that violated my obligation to my family," but did not say he'd resign. 

Comments

Cab | March 10, 2008, 2:11pm | #

My, my, my.

some guy | March 10, 2008, 2:15pm | #

Egg-Cellent.

Seth | March 10, 2008, 2:17pm | #

So basically he was using government power to get rid of his competition. No wonder he's governor.

Episiarch | March 10, 2008, 2:18pm | #

This is so sublimely excellent that I am having trouble believing it's true.

I was sure that greasy, self-righteous control freak scumbag would weasel out of everything. This is far, far better than Troopergate--it's better than I could have imagined.

Abdul | March 10, 2008, 2:19pm | #

"Involved"? Is that what lawyers call it?

drawn asunder | March 10, 2008, 2:21pm | #

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!

some guy | March 10, 2008, 2:21pm | #

He ought to be entering rehab right about now.

Chuck | March 10, 2008, 2:21pm | #

As much as I disagreed with Spitzer, I always liked the guy's personality. "I'm a fucking steamroller," or whatever he said, is a great line. I've always thought civility in politics was overrated.

Maybe it's just because I'm Jersey-born-and-bred, but I've always thought that politicians should be direct rather than overly courtly and circuitous. As I grew up and began working in and around politics, professional and volunteer, I found out that (surprise!) in private they're all a bunch of bulls-in-China-shops. So why not have it out in the open?

Another thing we should have out in the open is prostitution. Everyone has sex. Many people do it for material gain.

Let's legalize hooking. We can reduce harms while lowering the price of getting laid. The time is now.

Spitzer for President.

The Democratic Republican | March 10, 2008, 2:22pm | #

too tasty...finger licking good...can't stop drooling

Cab | March 10, 2008, 2:22pm | #

I wonder if "involvement" costs more or less than "a trip around the world."

Episiarch | March 10, 2008, 2:22pm | #

Wait--are they saying he utilized the services of the prostitution ring; or that he ran it?

How can this get any better?

stoneymonster | March 10, 2008, 2:22pm | #

This will not help Ms. Clinton.

drawn asunder | March 10, 2008, 2:23pm | #

Does "involved in" mean:

"operated" (too much to hope for)
or
"balls deep in" (still a good story)

Chuck | March 10, 2008, 2:23pm | #

circuitous = circumlocuitous (which, spell-check informs me, is not a word)[d'oh!]

The Democratic Republican | March 10, 2008, 2:23pm | #

first of all -- "Spitzer for President"? Ya, I think the Jersey explanation works.

Second -- we'll all be back here bitching and moaning in a couple months when he's slapped on the wrist with a fine (instead of jail time) and is still in office. So tell me how much you want Spitzer for President when you get slapped in the face with the mammoth shlong of government hypocrisy.

Fluffy | March 10, 2008, 2:24pm | #

Spitzer made his bones by finding "creative" ways to take open and well-known business practices of many decades' standing and portray them as criminal violations of various obscure NY laws.

So although I oppose the prostitution laws, if someone wallops this character with a simple and straightforward vice law I will be delighted.

drawn asunder | March 10, 2008, 2:24pm | #

He's a superdelegate.

Can/will that be revoked? Are his votes in play?

The Democratic Republican | March 10, 2008, 2:25pm | #

From the article:

But a person with knowledge of the governor’s role said that the person believes the governor is one of the men identified as clients in court papers.

The governor’s travel records show that he was in Washington in mid-February. One of the clients described in court papers arranged to meet with a prostitute who was part of the ring, the Emperors Club VIP on the night of Feb. 13.

JW | March 10, 2008, 2:26pm | #

Is that what they're calling the NY Attorney General's office now?

Spitzer and whores. It just sounds right.

kinnath | March 10, 2008, 2:29pm | #

But a person with knowledge of the governor’s role said that the person believes the governor is one of the men identified as clients in court papers.

"involved" as in "client"

Pro Libertate | March 10, 2008, 2:29pm | #

Oh, my. So, when does he resign/get forced out? And who takes over--the Lt. governor or. . .Bloomberg? Spitzer is everything we libertarians despise, so I'm thinking we should campaign to make his ouster day a state holiday. What a surprise, Spitzer lacks character and is a hypocrite.

I was going to make a Mark Spitz/Eliot Spitzer joke, but I'm too tired.

kinnath | March 10, 2008, 2:29pm | #

Damn, just that much too late

some guy | March 10, 2008, 2:30pm | #

The sad thing is how this will somehow become all about Hill-Bama.

Episiarch | March 10, 2008, 2:32pm | #

Thank you, Elliot, for bolstering my theory that the more righteous and power-hungry a politician, the more corrupt and hypocritical they are.

Wait, that's not my theory--it's common sense.

joe | March 10, 2008, 2:36pm | #

"The governor says he'll pay you $600 if you screw him."

"Done, and done."

GILMORE | March 10, 2008, 2:37pm | #

Way to go cleaning up Albany, Elliot!!

I think this state would be run better if we just disbanded the whole legislature & executive, and let the Mafia run *everything*. I mean, really.

There might one day be an article, "Prostitute admits to consorting with politicians; forced to step down in disgrace"

Wilson | March 10, 2008, 2:40pm | #

With his previous scandal, he's officially the worst governer in history, right? At least for so much slime in such a short period. He can't even blame the media, they love him.

Abdul | March 10, 2008, 2:40pm | #

I always liked the guy's personality. "I'm a fucking steamroller," or whatever he said, is a great line
. . . . . . . . . . in bed.

Shady O'Grady | March 10, 2008, 2:45pm | #

You guys got a call-out in News of the Weird today

PC | March 10, 2008, 2:45pm | #

If politics was the stock market, the news of Tucker's firing would be a morning dip with Spitzer's news being a late rally.

Gilbert Martin | March 10, 2008, 2:45pm | #

Being a Democrat, this may dent Spitzer a little but it won't sink him.

Only Republicans are supposed to fall on their sword when they get caught in these type things.

stuartl | March 10, 2008, 2:48pm | #

This will not help Ms. Clinton.

stoneymonster -- Why?

Abdul | March 10, 2008, 2:49pm | #

Fox News is reporting that Spitzer was a client of the "Emperor's Club," which is the same as the "sophisticated and lucrative operation with a multitiered management structure" referred to above.

Prices at the Emperor's Club? $2K to $5K a pop.

Hell, if I could afford to drop $2,000 in one night, I probably wouldn't need hookers.

Lamar | March 10, 2008, 2:50pm | #

The only difference between the parties is that Democrats get caught with girl whores and Republicans get caught with boy whores.

Fluffy | March 10, 2008, 2:51pm | #

I wonder if he and former Rep Sweeney used to troll Albany for hookers and then drive up I-87 at 100 mph doing blow off the dash while getting hooker head.

anonNY | March 10, 2008, 2:51pm | #

Prostitution should be legal. That said, I am loving watching this unfold live!

Russ 2000 | March 10, 2008, 2:53pm | #

Prostitution ring = attorney general's office

Does this mean Spitzer now has to register as a sex offender?

Episiarch | March 10, 2008, 2:53pm | #

Oh, Spitzer will go down for this. Bruno will make sure of it. Besides, if he is dumb enough not to resign it will make his administration utterly useless and fuck his party in the ass. He really has no choice, though it is conceivable that someone with his galactic ego might try and stay on.

Either way, he will get stomped like a narc at a biker rally, and I will enjoy every moment of it.

DJL804 | March 10, 2008, 2:55pm | #

This news made my day, no make that my month. He is a power hunger, self righteous, asshole who should get everything he deserves. There are so few perfect moments in life like this one, so I'm going to savor it.

T | March 10, 2008, 2:57pm | #

I got beer! Who's bringing snacks as we watch that arrogant moralizing jackass take the fall? This is quality entertainment.

Married with three children and out dropping 2 large on hookers. My wife would render any judicial hearings moot. She'd kill me.

anonymous | March 10, 2008, 2:59pm | #

If there's anything we learned from the Clinton years, it's that politicians shouldn't be held accountable to the laws they expect the rest of us to follow.

After all, it's just about sex.

Gilbert Martin | March 10, 2008, 2:59pm | #

"Oh, Spitzer will go down for this."

Don't count on it.

Bill Clinton was never held to account for any of his shennanigans.

Jennifer | March 10, 2008, 3:00pm | #

Hahahahahahahahaha

ck | March 10, 2008, 3:00pm | #

Gilbert martin,

From your lips to God's Ears!

johnl | March 10, 2008, 3:01pm | #

They are covering this now at WNYC-FM, avaliable on iTunes.

squarooticus | March 10, 2008, 3:02pm | #

Nice to see a sanctimonious asshole get the comeuppance he so richly deserves. Yes, prostitution should be legal... but am I enjoying this? Hell, yeah.

me | March 10, 2008, 3:02pm | #

This is great stuff, it will be the best time I've had since the pigs ate my little brother.

Fluffy | March 10, 2008, 3:02pm | #

Actually, T's mention of the "2 large" makes me think of an angle that enterprising journalists MUST explore.

You just don't make enough as Attorney General of NY to patronize high class call girls and hide the expense. [Nobody - NOBODY - just does this sort of thing once. At his age, if he was caught recently he's been a john for years.]

If he has been consorting with prostitutes that charge the escort rates being talked about on MSNBC, he wasn't paying. That means someone was paying for him, or they were freebies. In either instance this smells like bribe-taking to me, and he should be sewn up in a sack and thrown in the Tiber.

Click 'n' Learn | March 10, 2008, 3:04pm | #

I'll take it, but I would have preferred to have seen him forced to resign over his support for another kind of illegal activity.

The Democratic Republican | March 10, 2008, 3:04pm | #

shennanigans = killing Vince Foster? swindling real estate? abusing women?

Ya, I'd say Slick Willie's gotten away with a few.

Adamness | March 10, 2008, 3:04pm | #

Is it wrong I enjoy these sorts of things?

Not prostitution, but politicians getting exposed for being stupid. Not that I wouldn't enjoy prostitution. I don't mean I'd be a prostitute, but I'd hire one. Not that I'd actually do that. I mean, jeez, is it getting warm in here, I, uh, I have no need to hire prostitutes every Tuesday night.

We just talk.

The Democratic Republican | March 10, 2008, 3:05pm | #

me -- I've only ever heard one other person say that!

Episiarch | March 10, 2008, 3:05pm | #

Bill Clinton was never held to account for any of his shennanigans.

Dude, lose the partisan conspiracy theories.

Spitzer tried to screw his main enemy Joseph Bruno recently and blew it. There's no way Bruno will not use this to finish Spitzer.

Ali | March 10, 2008, 3:06pm | #

There goes a Clinton (Hillary that is) super delegate down the drain. It would be cool if Obama's people are behind this thing.

BadMood | March 10, 2008, 3:08pm | #

MORE II: ....and be indicted!

Holy moly!

Lamar | March 10, 2008, 3:09pm | #

Bill Clinton was never held to account IMPEACHED for any of his shennanigans.

As long as we're making a big ado about truth....

Episiarch | March 10, 2008, 3:10pm | #

That means someone was paying for him, or they were freebies. In either instance this smells like bribe-taking to me, and he should be sewn up in a sack and thrown in the Tiber.

These guys all have personal fortunes (at least small ones) by the time they rise this high politically. However, I agree with you that there's no way he was dropping those bills himself. Too easy for someone to figure out you paid 2 grand to something shady.

If he actually goes to jail (which he would never have to do for being a john), for doing something that harms no one, this will be so transcendental I may have to go to India and stay with a guru.

zig zag man | March 10, 2008, 3:11pm | #

It's stories like these, and the one(s) unfolding right here in Colorado with a Federal Judge being involved in prostitution, which make it absolutely clear that what's OK for me (the overseers of the Incarceration States of America) is not OK for thee (us simple folks).

Link to Judge "Naughty" Nottingham's investigation:

http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=87702

Why do those in position of power need all that anonymous sex and why do they think that their behavior is OK, but smoking a cannabis cigarette should be illegal?

some guy | March 10, 2008, 3:11pm | #

There goes a Clinton (Hillary that is) super delegate down the drain

They'll just pull a replacement from the sty.

kinnath | March 10, 2008, 3:12pm | #

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.

Gets better every minute.

JW | March 10, 2008, 3:14pm | #

Which young lady was Elliot's fav? Or did he just rotate them to keep the stock fresh?

Episiarch | March 10, 2008, 3:15pm | #

Well, of course he's being indicted.

But if the feds are after him (finally, something they are supposed to do!) he is in big trouble.

I figured it was the State Police or something, though that was probably naive because he seems to own them.

johnl | March 10, 2008, 3:16pm | #

It was a non-resignation at the 15:10 talk.

Timothy | March 10, 2008, 3:16pm | #

Question: Elliot Spitzer, a douchebag or THE douchebag?

zig zag man | March 10, 2008, 3:17pm | #

"Gov. Eliot Spitzer has informed his most senior administration officials that he had been involved in a prostitution ring, an administration official said this morning."

Is there a "John TV" in NYC? I'll bet the rest of those unlucky enough to be caught in a reverse sting will be happy to know the good Governor's mug shot will be on the next update.

//Aurora Colorado has "John TV"
///prostitution and cannabis should be legal, but since they ain't screw the bastard.
////he probably has a sex addiction and should seek help. /snark

Kevin P. | March 10, 2008, 3:19pm | #

I am kicking back and watching this unfold with some delicious German beer named Schadenfreude. As many have said, this couldn't have happened to a more arrogant and holier than thou gentleman.

Word on the street is that the lady in question didn't Spitz; she swallowed.

Colin | March 10, 2008, 3:20pm | #

And people complained that Pataki was too boring.

Sal Paradise | March 10, 2008, 3:22pm | #

But, but, Clinton got a blow job.

R C Dean | March 10, 2008, 3:24pm | #

"Oh, Spitzer will go down for this."

If he does time, then he may indeed have to go down.

Not that there's anything right about that.

kinnath | March 10, 2008, 3:25pm | #

The wiretap recording, made during an investigation of a prostitution ring called Emperors Club VIP, captured a man identified as Client 9 on a telephone call confirming plans to have a woman travel from New York to Washington, where he had reserved a room. The person briefed on the case identified Mr. Spitzer as Client 9.

Federal prosecutors rarely charge clients in prostitution cases, which are generally seen as state crimes. But the Mann Act, passed by Congress in 1910 to address prostitution, human trafficking and what was viewed at the time as immorality in general, makes it a crime to transport someone between states for the purpose of prostitution. The four defendants charged in the case unsealed last week were all charged with that crime, along with several others.

So begins the NY edition of The Wire.

et | March 10, 2008, 3:28pm | #

Elliot phone home

peachy | March 10, 2008, 3:28pm | #

We never see people getting charged under the Mann Act for actual hooker diddling any more. This just keeps getting better...

Pro Libertate | March 10, 2008, 3:31pm | #

Client Number 9? Oh, that's too rich:

[Bottle of Claret for you if I had realized...

Well, do it next time.

I forgot about it, George, I'm sorry.
Will you forgive me?

Yes.]

Number 9, number 9, number 9, number 9, number 9
Number 9, number 9, number 9, number 9, number 9
Number 9, number 9, number 9, number 9, number...

...then there's this Welsh Rarebit wearing some brown underpants
...about the shortage of grain in hertfordshire

Everyone of them knew that as time went by they'd get a little bit older and a litter slower but...

It's all the same thing, in this case manufactured by someone who's always/umpteen ...
Your father's giving it diddly-i-dee/district was leaving...
Intended to die ... Ottoman
...long gone through...
I've got to say, irritably and...
...floors, hard enough to put on ... per day's MD in our district
There was not really enough light to get down
And ultimately ... slumped down
Suddenly...

They may stop the funding...
Place your bets
The original
Afraid she'll die ...
Great colours for the season

Number 9, number 9

Who's to know?
Who was to know?

Number 9, number 9, number 9, number 9, number 9
Number 9, number 9, number 9, number 9, number 9
Number 9, number 9

I sustained nothing worse than ...

Also, for example
Whatever you're doing
A business deal falls through

I informed him on the third night, when fortune gives...

People ride, people ride
Ride, ride, ride, ride, ride

Number 9, number 9, number 9, number 9

Ride! Ride!

Number 9, number 9, number 9, number 9

...I've missed all of that
It makes me a few days late
Compared with, like, wow!
And weird stuff like that...

...taking our sides sometimes
...floral bark

Rouge doctors have brought this specimen

I have nobody's short-cuts, aha...

9, number 9

...with the situation

They are standing still

The plan, the telegram...
Number 9, number...

A man without terrors from beard to false
As the headmaster reported to my son
He really can try, as they do, to find function...
Tell what he was saying, and his voice was low and his hive high
And his eyes were low...

Alright!

It was on fire and his glasses were the same
This thing knows if it was tinted
But you know it isn't
To me it is...

Number 9, number 9, number 9, number 9, number 9
Number 9, number 9, number 9, number 9, number 9
Number 9

So the wife called me and we'd better go to see a surgeon to price it ...
Yellow underclothes
So, any road, we went to see the dentist instead
Who gave her a pair of teeth which wasn't any good at all
So I said I'd marry, join the fucking navy and went to sea

In my broken chair, my wings are broken and so is my hair

I'm not in the mood for whirling

How? dogs for dogging, hands for clapping
Birds for birding and fish for fishing
Them for themming and when for whimming

...only to find the night-watchman unaware of his
presence in the building

Number 9, number 9, number 9, number 9, number 9
Number 9

Industry allows financial imbalance

Thrusting it between his shoulder blades

The Watusi, the twist

Eldorado

Take this, brother, may it serve you well

Maybe it's nothing
What? What? Oh...

Maybe, even then, impervious in London

...could be difficult thing...
It's quick like rush for peace is because it's so much
Like being naked

It's alright, it's alright
It's alright, it's alright

It's alright, it's alright
It's alright, it's alright
It's alright

If, you became naked

Gilbert Martin | March 10, 2008, 3:31pm | #

"Dude, lose the partisan conspiracy theories."

Who said anything about a conspiracy?

I'm referring to the long-standing, generic political double standard that exists between the way Democrats and Republicans are treated when they get caught in these type scandals.

anonymous | March 10, 2008, 3:33pm | #

Before I explain, let me say that I’m not a (Bill) Clinton hater. I actually like the guy

So if Spitzer gets impeached, a minor slap-on-the-wrist fine, but gets to stay in office and avoid incarceration, it will be enough? Or have we decided to join the Vast Right Wingnut Conspiracy?

FYI: When I try to follow the link in JW's post above:

Sorry, the site you requested is temporarily unavailable.

Due to high volume of traffic, this site is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later.

Matthew | March 10, 2008, 3:34pm | #

Oh, no question: He is The Douchebag.
Possibly of the universe.

/Made my day--Whoo hoo!

Kevin P. | March 10, 2008, 3:34pm | #

Shouldn't he have been Client 69?

Pro Libertate | March 10, 2008, 3:38pm | #

No, that would be Hendrix, not the Beatles.

joe | March 10, 2008, 3:40pm | #

I'm referring to the long-standing, generic political double standard that exists between the way Democrats and Republicans are treated when they get caught in these type scandals.

You know, like when David Vitter was forced from office. Oh, wait...

T | March 10, 2008, 3:40pm | #

Rock on, PL! Revolution No. 9!

Hooker details here, if news reports are to be believed.

And I agree that following the money will be the really interesting aspect of this.

madpad | March 10, 2008, 3:41pm | #

I'm referring to the long-standing, generic political double standard that exists between the way Democrats and Republicans are treated when they get caught in these type scandals.

No double standard at all, there Gilbert. The amount of press is usually relative to the amount of moral grandstanding the politician did BEFOREthey got caught with their hands down the wrong pair of knickers.

Too often the ones involving Republicans involve politicians who've made a career out of grandstanding on morality issues.

Few things are more delicious than seeing someone like that get caught doing exactly what they've moralized against.

So to repeat....lose the conspiracy theories

Baylen | March 10, 2008, 3:52pm | #

So what's the NY Post headline tomorrow morning?

Schaaaaaaaaaaaadenfreude! | March 10, 2008, 3:54pm | #

The money? His dad is worth hundreds of millions of dollars. I'm having a hard time buying the bribery argument, but I'm open to suggestion.

alan | March 10, 2008, 3:55pm | #

Just heard the news, it is like my birthday! This could not have happened to a bigger piece of shit.

Now, only if General Khrushchev would come in the room like the scene in Enemies at the Gate, and offer the asshole a gun and some privacy.

Hell, if I could afford to drop $2,000 in one night, I probably wouldn't need hookers.

True that. Hell, for those prices you could set up a cute little grad student in an apartment for six months for the occasional strange on the side.

Pro Libertate | March 10, 2008, 3:55pm | #

Spitzer Spitted! Or perhaps simply "Spitzered!"

"Spitzerfreude!"

Bob | March 10, 2008, 3:55pm | #

Think about it, there must be hired love.

(my apologies to Steve Winwood)

The Democratic Republican | March 10, 2008, 3:56pm | #

this is ridiculous -- people arguing about whether Dems or Reps get screwed more over scandals?! People, focus on the main thing: HYPOCRISY BY ELECTED OFFICIALS IS TYRANNY

So, he's supposedly going to resign, and he doesn't. I can understand. I mean, it's not like committing a crime that you've prosecuted others for, publicly, repeatedly, is such a big thing.

PC | March 10, 2008, 3:57pm | #

"So what's the NY Post headline tomorrow morning?"

Spitzer Swallows:
Eliot to resign on prostitution ring allegations

Fluffy | March 10, 2008, 3:57pm | #

Well, he either paid directly or he didn't.

If he didn't pay directly, someone else paid for him or it was free.

If it was free, the assumption can be made that he didn't have these guys prosecuted when he was AG because he was getting free service. That's bribe taking 101.

If someone else paid for him, those are undisclosed $4000 gifts.

The Smoking Gun is reporting that "Client #9" was enough of a regular that there is email and text traffic among the girls discussing his reputation as a difficult client who wanted the girls to engage in questionable and dangerous behavior.

Gilbert Martin | March 10, 2008, 3:58pm | #

"No double standard at all, there Gilbert."

Oh yes there is.

And here's an examination of a perfect example of it:

http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/012/798fojwv.asp

Pro Libertate | March 10, 2008, 3:58pm | #

Bob,

Ha! That's the way I always heard that song, too. Odd.

brian | March 10, 2008, 3:58pm | #

I saw a study somewhere not long ago about how the public reacted more strongly to Democratic embezzlement scandals than to Democratic sex scandals, but the reverse was true for Republicans.

The proposed explanation was that people expect Democrats to sleep around (Clinton) and Republicans to steal money (Barbour), so it's "no big deal" when it happens, at least relative to Dems stealing money (Jefferson) and Republicans sleeping around (Craig).

Fluffy | March 10, 2008, 3:59pm | #

Actually, here's the legal argument I'd also like to see offered:

When he was AG, he went after competing rings but not this one.

I say that makes him a conspirator, since you could argue that he was using the power of his office to eliminate the competitors of this ring.

RICO him and take his house. Find one receipt with his dad's fingerprints on it and take the family fortune too.

brian | March 10, 2008, 4:00pm | #

NY Post Headline?

Spitzer's Love Potion #9

some guy | March 10, 2008, 4:02pm | #

The only way this can get better will be pictures of Spitzer in a bra and panties.

JW | March 10, 2008, 4:04pm | #

NY Post headline?

SPITZASM!!

Episiarch | March 10, 2008, 4:04pm | #

Powerful politicians, even if they have assloads of money, don't generally pay for stuff if they can get away with it. This is for several reasons:

1. Who pays for anything when they don't have to?
2. Having others pay for it is an acknowledgment of their power and influence and is an ego boost.
3. You don't want "$2000 -- HOOKER, INC." on your credit card bill.
4. Whoever is paying is currying favor/bribing, and this is a great way to receive and spend the bribe in one fell swoop.

joe | March 10, 2008, 4:06pm | #

I trust that the NYC papers will handle this with the taste and decorum appropriate to a story so painful for the man's family.

Also, I was recently struck on the head with a large mallet, and now I'm the King of the Toad People.

Urkobold™ | March 10, 2008, 4:07pm | #

FOOLS! THIS IS ALL PART OF THE MASTER PLAN TO "HUMANIZE" SPITZER, THUS PREPARING HIM FOR THE WHITE HOUSE IN 2008/12. LIKE ALL BLUE-COLLAR WORKERS, SPITZER LIKES HIGH-PRICE CALL GIRLS. HE'S IN TOUCH WITH THE PEOPLE BY, ER, TOUCHING THEM.

sixstring | March 10, 2008, 4:08pm | #

What did the leper do when he was done with the hooker?

Gave her the tip!

Isaac Bartram | March 10, 2008, 4:09pm | #

MORE: Fox News just reported that Spitzer will resign.

Sounds like wishful thinking on the part of Fox News...

MORE II: ....and be indicted!

...and more wishful thinking...

Episiarch | March 10, 2008, 4:09pm | #

RICO him and take his house. Find one receipt with his dad's fingerprints on it and take the family fortune too.

Oh, Fluffy, the universe is never that just. The fact that he's being indicted is already so incredible that I can't get my hopes up for him actually getting railroaded into jail and bankruptcy like he's done to others.

Ralph Kramden | March 10, 2008, 4:10pm | #

Gee, what does Nick Gillespie have to say about this?

David | March 10, 2008, 4:12pm | #

NY Post headline?

SPITZASM!!

I was thinking more

SPITZER SWALLOW?

alan | March 10, 2008, 4:13pm | #

and please, some of you Republican posters stop ruining this golden moment by whining about media
bias.

Paul | March 10, 2008, 4:14pm | #

It's times like this that make me happy that prostitution is illegal.

No doubt it's times like this that make Eliot Spitzer wish it were legal.

Brian Courts | March 10, 2008, 4:15pm | #

The Smoking Gun is reporting that "Client #9" was enough of a regular that there is email and text traffic among the girls discussing his reputation as a difficult client who wanted the girls to engage in questionable and dangerous behavior.

Oh this just gets better by the moment. Someone with a better imagination than me is going to have to speculate on what an "up to $5500 per hour" escort would consider "questionable" and dangerous.

Also, if Eliot hasn't already trademarked it, "Client #9" would be a great band name.

adrian | March 10, 2008, 4:15pm | #

i don't think anything could ruin this moment.

Leif | March 10, 2008, 4:16pm | #

curse of the 9th

alan | March 10, 2008, 4:17pm | #

trust that the NYC papers will handle this with the taste and decorum appropriate to a story so painful for the man's family.


The kids certainly you should feel for them, and in a few decades there may be gene therapy to solve their problem of being related to the guy, but the wife? No, she had to know he was major prick when she married him, but settled due to ambition anyway.

Paul | March 10, 2008, 4:17pm | #

Oh, Spitzer will go down for this.

Apparently, somebody already went down on Spitzer.

Paul | March 10, 2008, 4:18pm | #

text traffic among the girls discussing his reputation as a difficult client who wanted the girls to engage in questionable and dangerous behavior.

He is governor of New York, afterall.

Episiarch | March 10, 2008, 4:18pm | #

I'm assuming "dangerous" and "questionable" are things like autoasphyxiation, which can kill if screwed up.

I can totally see Spitzer wanting to choke the bitches while he fucks them.

Oh my god if these details come out I may pass out from glee.

Cesar | March 10, 2008, 4:19pm | #

Apparently New York will now have its first black Governor.

Other Matt | March 10, 2008, 4:19pm | #

I second Jennifer's 3pm comment.

TomHynes | March 10, 2008, 4:20pm | #

Spitzer's problem is he committed a federal felony:
"a telephone call confirming plans to have a woman travel from New York to Washington, where he had reserved a room"

If he had said "Can you just find me a local crack whore when I am in D.C.?" it wouldn't have been a federal offense.

I am an attorney, and I always tell my clients to hire only local talent.

John | March 10, 2008, 4:20pm | #

I hate Spitzer probably more than any other politician in America. He is a complete dirtbag bully. He made his career unfairly smearing innocent people. There is a certain delicous irony in watching him go down for doing something, nailing a hooker, that I don't think should be illegal. Despite my glee in watching this, my better judgement tells me that it is not right for a public official to be run out of office just because he sees the odd hooker. I guess the invisible hand of cosmic justice has finally struck in that a guy who made his career unfairly smearing people now goes down on what I think is a private crime that has no bearing in the public sphere. But at the same time, it still sucks. It is kind of shooting Hitler for violating sanitary laws in his kitchen. Hurrah that Hilter is dead and God knows he had it coming, but it still not right to shoot people for having a dirty kitchen, you know?

Jim Bob | March 10, 2008, 4:20pm | #

Just think: if he hadn't worked so hard to help enforce boneheaded laws that criminalize sex for money between consenting adults, he wouldn't be in this mess.

alan | March 10, 2008, 4:21pm | #

Oh my god if these details come out I may pass out from glee.

I'm hoping there are tranies involved.

John | March 10, 2008, 4:22pm | #

You know what else is really funny about this? The LT Governor of New York is a blind black guy. I can't wait to see New York Liberals explain how their felony committing rich white guy governor should hold onto power at the expense of a handicapped minority. That is just too funny to be believed.

Rik | March 10, 2008, 4:24pm | #

The only thing that could make this more scandalous would be if it was revealed that he enjoyed a cigarette afterwards.

Other Matt | March 10, 2008, 4:24pm | #

I can just hear Angelina Jolie saying in his ear "Who's your steamroller now?"

kinnath | March 10, 2008, 4:25pm | #

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/nyregion/20080310spitzer-complaint.pdf

Enjoy!

Eric Hanneken | March 10, 2008, 4:25pm | #

Mr. Spitzer today made a brief public appearance during which he apologized for his behavior, and described it as a "private matter." . . .
As attorney general, he also had prosecuted at least two prostitution rings as head of the state’s organized crime task force.

So when he hires a prostitute, it's a "private matter," but when others do it, it's the government's business? Mr. Spitzer's libertarianism is either selective or conveniently timed.

John | March 10, 2008, 4:25pm | #

Lesson number 1 in politics is that rules are for the little people. The more a politician is interested in giving you rules to follow, the less interested he is in following themselves. That self evident truth cuts accross history and all party lines.

Ali | March 10, 2008, 4:26pm | #

Can this somehow play its way into the democratic nomination? I mean, it is in Clinton's home state. Wouldn't that be nice.

Episiarch | March 10, 2008, 4:26pm | #

John,

He is going to eat it the way he made others eat it. Maybe some people--even him, but I doubt it--will see this and go "damn, it's stupid that this is illegal".

People are really stupid about prostitution so that probably won't work here, but at least a shithead like Spitzer is going to take a beating.

It would have been better if it were drugs. But for some reason politicians are better at staying away from coke than they are at staying away from pussy.

chris | March 10, 2008, 4:27pm | #

Maybe Mr. Spitzer will be looking for another 'job'.

robc | March 10, 2008, 4:27pm | #

According to the stuff linked at the smoking gun, he was paying abour 20k, if he was flying her out of town. It looks like they have hourly rates and daily (dawn to dawn) rates.

Other Matt | March 10, 2008, 4:27pm | #

It would have been better if it were drugs. But for some reason politicians are better at staying away from coke than they are at staying away from pussy.

Aw, Ep, there's still time to find there are some involved...don't give up yet.

Tonio | March 10, 2008, 4:29pm | #

Epi,

Autoasphyxiation is choking oneself. Which Spitzer has just effectively done to his political career.

More attention to your greek roots, Laddie!

Brian Courts | March 10, 2008, 4:32pm | #

It would have been better if it were drugs. But for some reason politicians are better at staying away from coke than they are at staying away from pussy.

Yes, Mayor-for-Life Barry, notwithstanding (and wouldn't a "bitch set me up" moment for Spitzer have made this even better?) that's true. Though I wouldn't be at all surprised to hear that a $5500 per hour escort might come with "party favors" of some kind... or expect them to be provided.

Rhywun | March 10, 2008, 4:33pm | #

my better judgement tells me that it is not right for a public official to be run out of office just because he sees the odd hooker

Me too. But this fucker stole, out of my mail, cigarettes I paid for legally. I say, burn, motherfucker.

johnl | March 10, 2008, 4:33pm | #

More than 200 comments in less than an hour at the NYT cityroom blog.

Cesar | March 10, 2008, 4:34pm | #

You know what? I bet people are going to start to wonder if Bill Clinton was involved in this, being up in New York now and all. Would it really surprise anyone here if he was?

Episiarch | March 10, 2008, 4:36pm | #

Tonio, yes, I should have left the "auto" off.

According to the stuff linked at the smoking gun, he was paying abour 20k, if he was flying her out of town. It looks like they have hourly rates and daily (dawn to dawn) rates.

Oh boy, nobody with a personality like Spitzer's pays 20 grand for a hooker, I don't care how great she is. I am totally down with Fluffy's idea that this money was coming from somewhere.

John | March 10, 2008, 4:36pm | #

"It would have been better if it were drugs. But for some reason politicians are better at staying away from coke than they are at staying away from pussy."

That or a crooked stock deal. You have to remember Elliot Spitzer is the guy who threatened jail to anyone who criticized him.

"On a personal level, the AG has also struggled to explain away his penchant to threaten people in private. Former Goldman Sachs Chairman John Whitehead wrote on this page in December that after he'd published an op-ed criticizing Mr. Spitzer, the AG had called him to say: "Mr. Whitehead, it's now a war between us and you've fired the first shot. I will be coming after you. You will pay the price. This is only the beginning and you will pay dearly for what you have done"


http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110008324

Spitizer is one of the worst human beings on earth. In a different time and place he would be beating confessions out of Bolsheviks in Lubyanka Prison or sending people to the guillotine during the reign of terror. I hope he goes to prison for this.

Drew W | March 10, 2008, 4:39pm | #

Cesar: Apparently New York will now have its first black Governor.

And its first legally blind one as well. I used to see Paterson around the neighborhood every now and then when I lived on Columbus Ave. He wore these incredibly thick glasses, but never seemed to be able to see too much.

Cue the Ray Charles/Stevie Wonder jokes.

[Oh, please. Tell me you weren't going to be heading there yourselves in a second or two . . .]

stephen the goldberger | March 10, 2008, 4:39pm | #

How'd they catch him? Patriot Act?

Maybe Dems will finally fight the damn thing.

zig zag man | March 10, 2008, 4:44pm | #

"The only thing that could make this more scandalous would be if it was revealed that he enjoyed a cigarette afterwards snorting a line of coke off the hooker's ass.

FIFY :)

Fluffy | March 10, 2008, 4:45pm | #

And The Smoking Gun also reports that there are text messages asking Client #9 to top up his account with a few grand, because he was always running behind.

I'm tellin' ya, it will come out that this guy has been consorting with whores for generations in prostitute-time.

Greek love | March 10, 2008, 4:47pm | #

Autoasphyxiation means he phyxed his own ass.

Other Matt | March 10, 2008, 4:49pm | #

I got a call from the house, apparantly there was something reported on TV that there is a taped phone conversation which will be played should it go to trial.

I knew nothing of this guy until I was up in Adirondack Park last summer and heard people complaining. What I learned was pretty bad. This scandal is great, to me, I hope that they follow through on the conviction.

Brian Courts | March 10, 2008, 4:50pm | #

Oh boy, nobody with a personality like Spitzer's pays 20 grand for a hooker, I don't care how great she is. I am totally down with Fluffy's idea that this money was coming from somewhere.

Absolutely. 20k payments cannot be easy to hide from the family, no matter how wealthy they are. That had to be from someone else.

That or a crooked stock deal. You have to remember Elliot Spitzer is the guy who threatened jail to anyone who criticized him.

Well, if the money was coming from somewhere else, who knows, that might turn out to be connected. Maybe he was shaking down some potential financial misconduct targets. How wonderful if this story ends up hitting the Eliot Spitzer hypocritical douche-bag trifecta: prostitution, drugs and financial crimes

Steven Horwitz | March 10, 2008, 4:51pm | #

Rik at 424 wrote:

The only thing that could make this more scandalous would be if it was revealed that he enjoyed a cigarette afterwards.

Now THAT is the funniest thing I've read all day.

Glee doesn't begin to capture the utter joy of this turn of events.

Dirty Frank | March 10, 2008, 4:52pm | #

questionable and dangerous

Ooh, would some kinda scat play be too much to hope for?? This could get interesting...

Client#9 | March 10, 2008, 4:52pm | #

I would now think that Client 9 is qualified for POTUS. I cast my vote for Client 9!

peachy | March 10, 2008, 4:53pm | #

I keep saying "this just can't get any better"... and then I refresh and it does.

Please, oh please, let there drugs involved.

alan | March 10, 2008, 4:55pm | #

Spitizer is one of the worst human beings on earth. In a different time and place he would be beating confessions out of Bolsheviks in Lubyanka Prison or sending people to the guillotine during the reign of terror. I hope he goes to prison for this.

I disagree. Spitzer is an uniquely American phenomenon where pedicured pansies get to the top of the food chain. In the context of Eastern Europe he would have not survived ten minutes after snatching his law degree and started jabbing his jaws with threats.

Episiarch | March 10, 2008, 4:57pm | #

I keep saying "this just can't get any better"... and then I refresh and it does.

Please, oh please, let there drugs involved.

Drugs
Cross-dressing
Scat and/or golden showers
Play-acting
Spacedocking

Any of the above would be supreme.

Drity Frank | March 10, 2008, 4:57pm | #

How'd they catch him? Patriot Act?


NSA probably flagged his emails referencing "trips to Greece" as international communications...

Andrew | March 10, 2008, 4:57pm | #

Reading the official (redacted) complaint right now. Money quote:

LEWIS continued that 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".

Also apparently he was too cheap to have her flown in to DC, since it talks about her departure via Amtrak.

Jennifer | March 10, 2008, 4:58pm | #

Shit, this is the kind of thing political bloggers pray for before we go to bed at night.

TPM did a really good job of grabbing the important parts out of the warrant, check it out.

From what I gather, this wasn't Spitzer's first rodeo (for Christ's sake, he has an account with them!), it looks like he was footing the bill himself, and the dangerous thing he's into is riding bareback.

Fan-tastic

R C Dean | March 10, 2008, 4:58pm | #

I am totally down with Fluffy's idea that this money was coming from somewhere.

No, because that gives him a chance to roll over on whoever was paying for this stuff, so he gets off (sorry!) with no time served.

R C Dean | March 10, 2008, 4:59pm | #

Also apparently he was too cheap to have her flown in to DC, since it talks about her departure via Amtrak.

Amtrak can get you from DC to Manhattan faster than commercial air.

sixstring | March 10, 2008, 5:00pm | #

She took the 5:39 out of Penn Station. That's the regional train -- not the Acela. He could have popped for nicer service.

brotherben | March 10, 2008, 5:01pm | #

Andrew,
mayhaps "amtrak" was code for one of those "questionable" thingys?

Dirty Frank | March 10, 2008, 5:02pm | #

and the dangerous thing he's into is riding bareback.

Wha? For the kinda scratch they're charging he better be getting bareback. Geez, what kinda fucking idiot is going to drop 20k to wear a raincoat?

peachy | March 10, 2008, 5:04pm | #

If the "dangerous" and "basic" are in fact connected, then I think Jennifer must be right. But hey, at least he isn't guilty of Social Sin #1. (And redistribution of wealth from rich prick to hooker could be considered avoiding #5, #6 and #7.)

Jury's still out - but hopeful - on #3.

Gilbert Martin | March 10, 2008, 5:07pm | #

"Mr. Spitzer today made a brief public appearance during which he apologized for his behavior, and described it as a "private matter." . . .

Yep - "private matter".

That's the same phrase that was used by all the Clinton apologists.

Episiarch | March 10, 2008, 5:07pm | #

and the dangerous thing he's into is riding bareback.

This better not be all. WTF is he paying 20 large for? Regular fucking sex?

Jesus, not only is he a hypocritical shithead but he drops 20 grand to have regular sex?

Don't disappoint me, Eliot!

Rhywun | March 10, 2008, 5:08pm | #

For the kinda scratch they're charging he better be getting bareback.

Maybe he's looking for a male heir.

Rhywun | March 10, 2008, 5:09pm | #

he drops 20 grand to have regular sex?

Presumably, that kind of scratch would buy discretion. Not a wiretap - mwa ha ha ha!

Paul Davis | March 10, 2008, 5:11pm | #

If you read this month’s print addition of Reason magazine, you will find that the Mann Act was the reason the FBI was created. I told my wife can you believe we were just talking about the Mann act last week! Matt, are you physic?

Too wierd.

mediageek | March 10, 2008, 5:13pm | #

According to the Smoking Gun document, nightly rates for the prostitutes run from $10,000 to $31,000 a night.

*boggles*

Episiarch | March 10, 2008, 5:19pm | #

Presumably, that kind of scratch would buy discretion. Not a wiretap - mwa ha ha ha!

You'd think. However, he's a guy who...wiretapped people. Yet somehow he assumed it couldn't happen to him.

HAHAHAHAHAHA MORON

JW | March 10, 2008, 5:20pm | #

I can totally see Spitzer wanting to choke the bitches while he fucks them.

Epi--You have it backwards. It's always Spitzer's type that wants to be subjugated and humiliated by the help.

"I'm a bad, little governor!"

"Yes, you are. NOW, LICK THE BOOT!"

Kap | March 10, 2008, 5:29pm | #

The real tragedy here is the deflated value of the dollar.

boston | March 10, 2008, 5:34pm | #

two words:

perp walk bitch

ok well three

Isaac Bartram | March 10, 2008, 5:38pm | #

The more a politician is interested in giving you rules to follow, the less interested he is in following themselves.

See, this is the reason I fell no guilt about wanting to see him hung out to dry.

It doesn't matter that I think sexual conduct is a private matter and that prostitution should be legal, Spitzer doesn't. Except for himself.

I will see any punishment he suffers as being retribution for the crime of being a political asshole, not for going to a whore.

Sam McManus | March 10, 2008, 5:40pm | #

I'd be surprised if Spitzer's the only one big name hear about out of this. I figure a prostitution ring charging 31,000 a night for some girls probably has a goodly number of other high profile clients.

Urkobold™ | March 10, 2008, 5:40pm | #

TODAY, WE ARE ALL NEW YORKERS.

Rhywun | March 10, 2008, 5:41pm | #

The NY Post is playing it pretty straight so far. At least the Daily News is going with the same creepy pic as on CNN, where it looks like he's sucked half his face in, and blown it up, too.

JW | March 10, 2008, 5:53pm | #

Has anyone prayed for a dead hooker in the trunk yet? If not, put me down for that.

swillfredo pareto | March 10, 2008, 5:57pm | #

The Smoking Gun is reporting that "Client #9" was enough of a regular that there is email and text traffic among the girls discussing his reputation as a difficult client who wanted the girls to engage in questionable and dangerous behavior.

I am getting a serious Patrick Bateman vibe here. He was only returning videotapes.

And it's not schadenfreude if there is no shame in experiencing this joy.

Jon H | March 10, 2008, 5:57pm | #

Come on, you have to admit the GOP would kill to have a politician like Spitzer - 'cause at least he got caught in a hetero scandal.

Jon H | March 10, 2008, 6:00pm | #

"According to the Smoking Gun document, nightly rates for the prostitutes run from $10,000 to $31,000 a night."

Sure, but who would bother paying for the whole night? Maybe a rock star or hedge fund zillionaire, someone running all night on crack.

Most people would, I think, pay for an hour or two and then lights out, at which point there's no reason to have the girl there with the meter running.

LevStrauss | March 10, 2008, 6:07pm | #

swillfredo pareto | March 10, 2008, 5:57pm | #

This whole ordeal will definitely make him look older by the time it is over.

Jennifer | March 10, 2008, 6:11pm | #

Dirty Frank, I'm with you on that one. If I were a guy paying that much for sex going bareback would be the least of my demands.

I do question the $20K number, can someone remind me where that's coming from. From what the warrant says, it looks like Spitzer had about $2500 in his account, and he gave his new friend another $4500 to put into that account. I'm don't know if that account is just to cover travel and room, or if that also covered "services rendered". Even at that, its a shitload of money for sex. Doesn't he have any interns?

Jennifer | March 10, 2008, 6:22pm | #

There's multiple Jennifers here. Yes, this DOES keep getting better!

Paul | March 10, 2008, 6:22pm | #

Mr. Spitzer, what did you do last weekend?

Gov. Spitzer:

Cruisin' down the street in my 64
Jockin' the bitches, slappin' the ho's
Went to the park to get the scoop
Knuckle-heads out there cold shootin' some hoops
A car pulls up, who can it be?
A fresh el camino rollin kilo g
He rolls down his window and he started to say
It's all about makin' that gta

Cuz the boyz in the hood are always hard
You come talkin' that trash we'll pull your card
Knowin' nothin' in life but to be legit'
Don't quote me boy, cuz i ain't said shit...

Urkobold™ | March 10, 2008, 6:24pm | #

BOUNCIER AND BOUNCIER!

Episiarch | March 10, 2008, 6:33pm | #

I can't express the joy this has given me today. These moments are rare and must be treasured.

Oh, Rhywnun, I grabbed and saved the face-suck pic immediately. That fucker is GOLD.

Lao Tzu | March 10, 2008, 6:45pm | #

Conduct your victory like a funeral, guys.

Paul | March 10, 2008, 6:51pm | #

Conduct your victory like a funeral, guys.

We are.

alan | March 10, 2008, 7:44pm | #

Lao Tzu | March 10, 2008, 6:45pm | #
Conduct your victory like a funeral, guys.

To pretend that his isn't a grave for dancing with joy would be fundamentally dishonest of us. Reverie forth!

smartass sob | March 10, 2008, 8:20pm | #

and the dangerous thing he's into is riding bareback.

Wha? For the kinda scratch they're charging he better be getting bareback. Geez, what kinda fucking idiot is going to drop 20k to wear a raincoat?

Maybe his wife won't let him ride bareback anymore. Probably so, if she had any inkling what he's been up to.

smartass sob | March 10, 2008, 8:26pm | #

We never see people getting charged under the Mann Act for actual hooker diddling any more. This just keeps getting better...

The Mann Act is a federal offense. There is no parole from federal prison. Spitzer's in big trouble.

Brian Courts | March 10, 2008, 8:41pm | #

I do question the $20K number, can someone remind me where that's coming from. From what the warrant says, it looks like Spitzer had about $2500 in his account, and he gave his new friend another $4500 to put into that account.

Yeah, that 20k seems like it must be from something else (total he's spent maybe?) because from reading the warrant at the TPM link you (or the other Jennifer? I'm confused... ) posted it looks like they wanted him to pay enough to leave about $1500 - $2000 in his account (the fact that he was keeping an "account" with that kinda money in it with them is just too sweet - you can't make this stuff up) so looks like he was paying around $5000 for this encounter. Funny thing is that, reading the warrant, he was supposed to get a rather ambitious four hours but it appears his reach exceeded his grasp, as he left after about two.

Stuff like this, from the warrant, is priceless:

Client-9 told LEWIS maybe 10:00 p.m. or so, and asked who it was. LEWIS said it was "Kristen," and Client-9 said "great, okay, wonderful ."
[...]
Client- 9 asked LEWIS to remind- him what 'Kristen" looked like, and LEWIS said that she was an American, petite, very pretty brunette, 5 feet 5 inches, and 105 pounds.

Remind him what "Kristen" looked like?? Heh. Yeah, this was no first-timer. He must have seen quite a few to not be able to remember which one "Kristen" was. And maybe someone with some uh... "experience" in these things can answer this, but if you're paying thousands of dollars for this kinda thing, wouldn't you think you'd get to pick the escort yourself rather than getting the luck of the draw? I mean, I get more say in who cuts my hair than that and it doesn't sound like this was exactly the "Supercuts" of escort services where you'd just get whoever is next.

Jennifer | March 10, 2008, 8:49pm | #

Yeah, it's like we're taking to ourselves. Lemme guess, you were born between 1980-1985, correct?

Paul, that would work if he were an actual pimp. I'll admit I was hoping that's were this story was going to go, but no dice. I had about 50 Spitzer pimp jokes on deck too. Damn. Badass song choice though.

smartass sob, you are most likely correct on both accounts, but I think the requiring protection thing had more to do with having 3 kids already.

Jen | March 10, 2008, 8:58pm | #

Brian Courts, that was me. Hopefully shortening my name will makes things a little easier for everyone. Yeah, that's what I was wondering, is that money in the account like a retainer fee, or is that money supposed to cover travel/board/services?

And while I don't have any personal "experience" in this matter, from what I understand some guys like seeing the same chick all the time and some like a little variety. Hell, maybe he called them up and said "suprise me".

Xmas | March 10, 2008, 9:06pm | #

mediageek,

10,000 to 31,000 ain't too bad for a girl to come to you. Especially if you get a PSE (or simply get a porn star*). GFE will cost you 3,00 to 7,000 for a night. All prices don't include tips for extrordinary service.

*Most porn stars do that sort of thing

Eric Dondero | March 10, 2008, 9:27pm | #

Not just Spitzer in New York. Some financial scandals breaking with "Boy Wonder" Blagojavich in Illinois out of Rezko trial, and other suspicious connections.

The Blagojavich scandal is breaking little by little. Every day there's something more in the Chicago Press. My guess, by the end of the week, he'll be "Spitzered."

Eric Dondero | March 10, 2008, 9:29pm | #

Anyone know anything about this Patterson guy, the Lt. Gov.?

We're about to see the makings of a new political celebrity. You become the Governor of New York State and you are instantly a celeb.

Brian Courts | March 10, 2008, 9:47pm | #

Brian Courts, that was me. Hopefully shortening my name will makes things a little easier for everyone.

Jen, yes, that will help. Jennifer is a long-time, quite renowned, commenter around here so it would certainly cause a lot of confusion otherwise. It's funny because another renowned (and infamously so) commenter, joe, also has a common name that from time to time someone shows up and posts under until the regulars demand he change handles as there can be only one "joe" and, alas, only one "Jennifer."

Speaking of multiple Jennifers, now I've got that Mike Doughty song 27 Jennifers stuck in my head... "I went to school with 27 Jennifers; 16 Jenns, 10 Jennies and then there was her"

I understand some guys like seeing the same chick all the time and some like a little variety.

Good point, I guess some variety would be a major motivation in these things so that makes sense. Though I would think he could still have picked from the "menu" as it were. Of course we have to assume his window of opportunity for any given day is somewhat limited, what with his being Governor after all, so he might just have to take whoever is available whenever he is able to sneak away from his security detail.

Hell, maybe he called them up and said "suprise me".

Heh. If so, I hope they have a recording of that too. How beautifully ironic would it be to hear him say "I'm feeling lucky - surprise me!"? 'k Eliot... surprise!

TallDave | March 10, 2008, 9:53pm | #

What's really amazing is that he was apparently caught because of bank transfers.

This is truly astonishing because