Eliot Spitzer , who gained national prominence relentlessly pursuing Wall Street wrongdoing, has been caught on a federal wiretap arranging to meet with a high-priced prostitute at a Washington hotel last month, according to a law enforcement official and a person briefed on the investigation. The wiretap 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 hotel room, according to an affidavit filed in federal court in Manhattan.
The person briefed on the case and the law enforcement official identified Mr. Spitzer as Client 9. Spitzer, who appeared with his wife Silda at his Manhattan office. I apologize to the public to whom I promised better. I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family.
Before speaking, Mr. Spitzer stood with his arm around his wife; the two nodded and then strode forward together to face more than reporters. Both had glassy, tear-filled eyes, but they did not cry. As he went to leave, three reporters called out, "Are you resigning? Are you resigning? Spitzer charged out of the room, slamming the door. The governor learned that he had been implicated in the prostitution inquiry when a federal official contacted his staff Friday, according to the person briefed on the case.
The governor informed his top aides Sunday night and this morning of his involvement. He canceled his public events today and scheduled the announcement for this afternoon after inquiries from The Times.
The Republican state party and a leading Republican legislator called for the governor to step down. James Tedisco, a Republican Assemblyman from Schenectady who has clashed loudly and publicly with Mr. Spitzer, called on the governor to step down if the allegations are true. David Paterson, who by law would become governor if Mr. Spitzer resigns. But his staffers provided no information. The man described as Client 9 in the affidavit arranged to meet with a prostitute who was part of the ring, Emperors Club VIP, on the night of Feb.
