Local political experts react to Spitzer situation
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By EVAN WHITE
Story Created:
Mar 11, 2008 at 12:41 PM EST
Story Updated:
Mar 11, 2008 at 5:38 PM EST
Governor Eliot Spitzer met with advisors throughout the day, and at this hour remains in office. Speculation regarding the governor's future and requests for his resignation continue.
The allegations that Governor Eliot Spitzer was involved in a prostitution ring have some calling for his resignation. We asked political experts in the area how Spitzer could stay on as governor.
"I can't imagine why he would stay if only to manage to salvage his own personal reputation," said Steven Schneider, a professor at SUNYIT
Given that the governor was remaining in his office at evening time, it appears that that is what he's doing, though some feel if he finishes his term it could lead to credibility issues.
"The level of potential hypocrisy is so great that it's very difficult to stay in office in a situation like this," said David Habbel, a Utica College professor. "I don't think he has credibility to be governor of New York State, he ran on a campaign of reform and he ran on his personal integrity and he doesn't have that now."
Both professors say Spitzer's well documented battles with senate republicans during his first term in office have made it difficult for him to implement his agenda. Habbel says the prostitution allegations cloud his plans.
"These things are going to significantly impede his agenda," Habbel said.
Congressman Michael Arcuri had this to say regarding governor Spitzer's situation:
"Elected officials must be held to the highest possible standards. With all the pressing issues facing New Yorkers, it is imperative that this be resolved as quickly as possible to restore the public's trust in our state government."
"My thoughts are with the governor's family during this difficult time," said Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito. "However, we must move beyond this unfortunate episode and continue to focus on the important work at hand which is passing an on-time budget that meets the needs of working families."
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