BREAKING NEWS: Tedisco to Spitzer, You Have Up to 48 Hours to Resign
New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer has been given a deadline of 24 to 48 hours to step down or face impeachment proceedings over allegations that he hired a prostitute by his top Republican opponent, James Tedisco.
Mr Spitzer has not admitted paying for sex, but he did tell a news conference that he had let down his family.
There is also speculation he might face criminal charges, amid a reported inquiry into financial transactions.
The allegations against Mr Spitzer, a high-profile Democrat who campaigned for ethical leadership, have caused widespread shock in New York and US political circles. New York Assembly Republican Minority Leader
James Tedisco said: "If he does not resign within the next 24 to 48 hours, we will prepare articles of impeachment to remove him.
"We need a leader in place that has the support of people on both sides of the aisle," Mr Tedisco told reporters.
Resignation Imminent
A legislative staffer said gubernatorial aides were in transition talks with the lieutenant governor and Democratic sources said Spitzer had no choice but to step down.
"It is a 'when' question on the resignation. Not an 'if.' He knows that," said a Democratic source with firsthand knowledge of the issue. "It is hard to come to terms with, and there are legal issues that are related to any big political decisions. But Eliot knows he cannot hold on to his job here. He might want to, but he is absolutely aware of his predicament."
A Democratic campaign veteran with ties to the Spitzer team added, "A resignation was part of the discussions early yesterday but was tabled. The political people were clear about the options. There are none -- not for him."
If Spitzer resigns, Lt. Gov. David Paterson, 53, would become the state's first black governor and the fourth in U.S. history. The former Senate minority leader is legally blind and is the son of Basil Paterson, a longtime Democratic operative in New York City.
Published on March 11, 2008
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