Assembly and Senate react to Spitzer resignation, look forward

Tools

By PAT BAILEY

It only took a few minutes after the governor's decision to step down for state lawmakers to react. Members of both the Senate and the Assembly say this is a sad day for the state.

Both Assembly members and Senators say it a was obviously a tough week in Albany, but that now it's time to move on. The consensus among all lawmakers was that it's a sad day for the State of New York, and the Spitzer family - mainly the governor's wife and daughters.

Both republicans and democrats recognized the enthusiasm that Spitzer brought to Albany, but they say now that it's over, it's time to move the state forward under soon-to-be Governor David Patterson.

"We are just beginning the essential work of getting our budget prepared," said Assemblyman Marc Butler. "That work will go forward it's certainly going to be a little more difficult. I think the Lieutenant Governor will step up, the question is how many of the governor's budget priorities will he embrace."

"We need to look forward to working with the new governor, who I believe will be a conciliator and work with us to move New York State forward," said Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito.

It's no secret that Senate majority leader Joe Bruno and Governor Eliot Spitzer butted heads during Spitzer's time in office. Despite that, today Bruno says he feels sorry for Spitzer and his family.

With the talk of moving forward, also comes talk, as you heard, about the state budget. Today was in fact the day the Senate moved their portion of the budget process forward.

Utica Weather

Icon
Current Temp 39.0 °F
Light Rain
More Weather

AP Video

Stock Quotes

Permanent Client link holder

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On