March 10, 2008
Nerve
It's probably unwise for any of the GOP's official tentacles to issue statements about the Eliot Spitzer matter. Unless maybe David Vitter has something to say. ...
Still, RGA's Exec Dir. Nick Ayers called on Spitzer to resign: “The Governor of New York should immediately resign from office and allow the people of New York to pursue honest leadership. The American people are tired of corrupt and hypocritical politicians. The Governor of New York is just another in the long list of politicians that have failed their constituents.”
By the way, how is it that Vitter survived and reports indicate that Spitzer could resign? Maybe the hypocrisy here is just impossible to ignore -- or overcome. As the sheriff of Wall Street, Spitzer called on the people of New York to live cleaner, better lives. He held himself up as good and just and moral. Tough to reconcile the guy who fought prostitution rings and organized crime with the one who reportedly jetted to DC to rendezvous with a high-priced hooker.
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
Posted at 04:49 PM
Comments
Or maybe Republicans are just better at feigning outrage.
Nicholas Beaudrot | 03.10.08 05:37 PM
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Vitter was just as sanctimonious, having called for Clinton to step down amid the Lewinsky scandal.
You're right that both sides should watch their tongues in situations like this, giving the obvious political hypocrisy that is often exhibited in these matters. So it goes in politics, I guess.
Andy | 03.10.08 06:04 PM
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Simple:
Spitzer, a Democrat, would be succeeded by another Democrat, in an overwhelmingly Democratic state.
Vitter, a Republican, would have been replaced by a Democrat, despite a Republican constituency.
Voters don't like infidelity or other "immoral" behavior from their politicians, but in the grand scheme of things they care more about keeping their representatives in line with their policy preference. If axing Spitzer would put a conservative in office, he'd be staying right where he is. But with a Dem as lt gov, they can go ahead and toss Spitzer overboard.
SN | 03.10.08 06:45 PM
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Simple:
Spitzer, a Democrat, would be succeeded by another Democrat, in an overwhelmingly Democratic state.
Vitter, a Republican, would have been replaced by a Democrat, despite a Republican constituency.
Voters don't like infidelity or other "immoral" behavior from their politicians, but in the grand scheme of things they care more about keeping their representatives in line with their policy preference. If axing Spitzer would put a conservative in office, he'd be staying right where he is. But with a Dem as lt gov, they can go ahead and toss Spitzer overboard.
SN | 03.10.08 06:45 PM
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Simple:
Spitzer, a Democrat, would be succeeded by another Democrat, in an overwhelmingly Democratic state.
Vitter, a Republican, would have been replaced by a Democrat, despite a Republican constituency (and in the context of a highly polarized Senate).
Voters don't like infidelity or other "immoral" behavior from their politicians, but in the grand scheme of things they care more about keeping their representatives in line with their policy preference. If axing Spitzer would put a conservative in office, he'd be staying right where he is. But with a Dem as lt gov, they can go ahead and toss Spitzer overboard.
SN | 03.10.08 06:46 PM
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That would be David Vitter and Larry Craig.
corinne | 03.10.08 07:44 PM
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The difference is that Spitzer is the chief executive of the state, therefore its main law officer. Not to mention his years as attorney general where he prosecuted prostitution rings. He is not one of 100 senators or 465 representatives in Congress. The chief law officer cannot break the law and remain in office. But what will get him in the end is the hypocrisy. He has few friends, even among his party. He always bludgeoned people and used his authority as attorney general to threaten them.
bio mom | 03.11.08 09:35 AM
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