News stories tagged with "spitzer"

(12/27/10) The past four years in state government were tumultuous, as New York got not one, but two new governors, witnessed a coup in the state Senate, and endured the worst fiscal crisis since the Great Depression. Karen DeWitt takes a look back.

(03/12/09) It's been a year since Eliot Spitzer resigned in disgrace just days after news broke of his use of a high-end prostitution ring. His resignation thrust then Lieutenant Governor David Paterson into the spotlight and into the Governor's office. Martha Foley has more.

(07/08/08) The July Fourth holiday traditionally marks the start of the run-up to the big major party conventions and the real presidential campaign. But doesn't it seem like there's been politics and campaign news just forever this year? Partly it's been primary races that wound down through John Edwards and Mitt Romney, and then the prolonged duel of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. And New York has made its own share of political headlines: the disgrace of former Governor Spitzer, a bitter special election to fill a North Country senate seat, the recent resignation of longtime Republican leader Joseph Bruno and the extra pressure that puts on the GOP to maintain its Senate majority. Martha Foley, David Sommerstein and Brian Mann sort through some of the state and regional highlights starting with the GOP's struggles in New York.

(03/18/08) The mood in Albany was jubilant as David Paterson was sworn in as governor yesterday. Paterson makes history: he's the first African American and first legally blind governor in New York. But that's not the only reason cheers and chants erupted as he came to the podium. After the tumultuous last week, which saw the abrupt resignation of former Gov. Eliot Spitzer over a sex scandal, there was considerable relief at the Capitol as well. Karen DeWitt reports.

(03/18/08) Former Governor Eliot Spitzer will be remembered for his accomplishments cleaning up Wall Street. But Spitzer was also a national crusader for environmental causes. As Attorney General, he sued coal-burning power plants and pushed the Federal EPA to adopt stricter clean-air laws. In his first year as Governor, Spitzer approved a huge land purchase in the Adirondack Park and fought a controversial power corridor project. As Governor David Paterson takes office, environmental activists say he has big shoes to fill. But they also say the Harlem Democrat has a strong track record pushing alternative energy and other green causes. Brian Mann has our story.

(03/13/08) New York is picking up the pieces after the shattering events leading to Governor Eliot Spitzer's resignation yesterday. Martha Foley has more.

(03/13/08) Republican state Senator Betty Little of Queensbury described Gov. Eliot Spitzer's fall as "unbelievable" yesterday. She told Brian Mann that the GOP-led senate will now play a stronger role in shaping the state's budget, which faces a $4.4 billion deficit.

(03/12/08) State Democratic Party chairwoman June O'Neill had been silent on Governor Spitzer's prostitution scandal until moments after Spitzer's resignation. She spoke with David Sommerstein about her party going forward.

(03/12/08) Gov. Eliot Spitzer today announced his resignation, completing a spectacular fall from power amid a prostitution scandal. Spitzer made the brief announcement to dozens of reporters at the Governor's Manhattan office. Spitzer spoke with his wife, Silda Wall Spitzer, by his side. The governor took no questions, turning away from the podium at the close of his written remarks.

Spitzer says his resignation is effective Monday. He will be replaced by Lt. Gov. David Paterson, who will become New York's first black governor.

The Lt. Gov. released this statement shortly after Spitzer's appearance: "Like all New Yorkers I am saddened by what we have learned over the past several days. On a personal level Governor Spitzer and Silda have been close and steadfast friends. As an elected official the Governor has worked hard for the people of New York. My heart goes out to him and to his family at this difficult and painful time. I ask all New Yorkers to join Michelle and me in prayer for them. It is now time for Albany to get back to work as the people of this state
expect from us."

State Senator Betty Little, from Queensbury, also issued a statement: "Amid the news of the scandal, as I have watched this unbelievable and sad story unfold, it has been the visits by constituents here in Albany over the past three days that have continually reminded me of our responsibility to govern. We have so many outstanding issues to address and pressing matters that warrant our full attention. Lieutenant Governor David Paterson has reached out to members on both sides of the aisle in both houses, inviting us to work cooperatively on behalf of all New Yorkers when he officially becomes governor on Monday. He has my commitment to do so. We all need to rise above this."

(03/11/08) The New York Times is reporting that Governor Eliot Spitzer's top aides expect that he will resign in the wake of a prostitution scandal. Lieutenant Governor David Patterson is said to be preparing for the transition. Democratic State Senator Darrel Aubertine is calling for Spitzer to step down. David Sommerstein reports.