NY Gov. Spitzer Involved in Prostitution Ring

[Ksyrup]

"I've been a baaaaaad boy!"

[Young Drachma]

New York Republicans in Legislature give Spitzer a deadline to resign or they'll start impeach proceedings.

[Ksyrup]

Just read this:

"Two law enforcement officials say that safety considerations mentioned in the affidavit related to Spitzer's preference to not wear a condom and insistence by the prostitute named Kristen that he wear one."

[Klinglerware]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

New York Republicans in Legislature give Spitzer a deadline to resign or they'll start impeach proceedings.

Hmm... I wonder if it might be in the Democrats best interest to allow the Republicans to impeach Spitzer. That way, the Republicans look unnecessarily vindictive (and confirm the perception that many people in the state have for the nastiness of state politics in NY), the democrats can try to spin it to make Spitzer look like a victim of Republican demogoguery.

The Democrats can also be rid of Spitzer and his controversial administration, and get the opportunity to wipe the slate clean with the uncontroversial Patterson in time for the next election.

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by Klinglerware

Hmm... I wonder if it might be in the Democrats best interest to allow the Republicans to impeach Spitzer. That way, the Republicans look unnecessarily vindictive (and confirm the perception that many people in the state have for the nastiness of state politics in NY), the democrats can try to spin it to make Spitzer look like a victim of Republican demogoguery.

The Democrats can also be rid of Spitzer and his controversial administration, and get the opportunity to wipe the slate clean with the uncontroversial Patterson in time for the next election.

Next election is still a while away, no one will remember what happened by then. And I don't think Patterson has the chops to run a statewide election after this term ends, so...while I can see them hunkering down and wanting to say "let's not rush to judgment" or whatever, the best bet to me seems for him to get the hell away and get the news cycle off of this. Otherwise, it'll possibly hurt other Democrats now. Forget what might happen in two years or so.

[Apathetic Lurker]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

Just read this:

"Two law enforcement officials say that safety considerations mentioned in the affidavit related to Spitzer's preference to not wear a condom and insistence by the prostitute named Kristen that he wear one."

You always wear a raincoat when you hit the hershey highway

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Amusing. FOX News has put up a photo essay showing the catalog of call girls for the VIP Emperor's Club that Spitzer contacted...........

http://www.foxnews.com/photoessay/0,4644,3524,00.html

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Klinglerware

Hmm... I wonder if it might be in the Democrats best interest to allow the Republicans to impeach Spitzer. That way, the Republicans look unnecessarily vindictive (and confirm the perception that many people in the state have for the nastiness of state politics in NY), the democrats can try to spin it to make Spitzer look like a victim of Republican demogoguery.

The Democrats can also be rid of Spitzer and his controversial administration, and get the opportunity to wipe the slate clean with the uncontroversial Patterson in time for the next election.

It won't come to this. He'll crumble under public and media pressure and resign.

Also, I'm not sure why an impeachment would be considered 'vindictive' in this case. I'm guessing there's not a state in the union outside of Nevada where a governor from either party could get away with this kind of thing unscathed.

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

It won't come to this. He'll crumble under public and media pressure and resign.

Also, I'm not sure why an impeachment would be considered 'vindictive' in this case. I'm guessing there's not a state in the union outside of Nevada where a governor from either party could get away with this kind of thing unscathed.

Let alone a guy who has busted prostitution rings himself as a US Attorney.

[Klinglerware]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Also, I'm not sure why an impeachment would be considered 'vindictive' in this case. I'm guessing there's not a state in the union outside of Nevada where a governor from either party could get away with this kind of thing unscathed.

No, the impeachment wouldn't necessarily be vindictive. But, the democrats can certainly spin it (i.e., the whole "play up the sex/private life angle but play down the true criminality") to make it perceived to be vindictive.

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Amusing. FOX News has put up a photo essay showing the catalog of call girls for the VIP Emperor's Club that Spitzer contacted...........

http://www.foxnews.com/photoessay/0,4644,3524,00.html

Women of the Emperor's Club - that really needs to be a Playboy pictorial.

[Cringer]

I am guessing there are many more interesting names in Washington D.C. we will never hear about that paid for services.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Klinglerware

No, the impeachment wouldn't necessarily be vindictive. But, the democrats can certainly spin it (i.e., the whole "play up the sex/private life angle but play down the true criminality") to make it perceived to be vindictive.

...

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

Let alone a guy who has busted prostitution rings himself as a US Attorney.

Spin over.

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by Klinglerware

No, the impeachment wouldn't necessarily be vindictive. But, the democrats can certainly spin it (i.e., the whole "play up the sex/private life angle but play down the true criminality") to make it perceived to be vindictive.

I don't think they have to spin it. The Clinton ordeal gives them their best argument against a forced resignation. In fact, James Carville is already out there with 2 main points - (a) the whole thing is fishy and might be politically motivated (either that he was specifically targeted, or at least the leak of his involvement), and (b) bringing the whole Clinton thing full circle, he shouldn't resign if this is just about sex. I'll give Carville credit for one thing...at least he's consistent!

Just like with Clinton, he's ignoring the legal issues involved, of course. The Clinton thing wasn't a big deal until he lied under oath - I mean, it was a big deal because the Prez cheated on his wife with an intern, but as far as impeachment, that only gained traction because of his legal issues. I think the same thing applies here. If Spitzer isn't charged with anything - and so far, they've only charged the people running the ring - I think he has an argument that he shouldn't resign. That might not be feasible given the backlash and the fact that we're 10 years down the road from Clinton and people just aren't as forgiving, but I think he could push it. His problem is, he didn't just cheat on his wife - heck, Guilani did that and it never rose to this level - he did so with a prostitute and appears to have violated federal law in doing so. As an attorney, the least he could have done to protect himself was to choose someone in state! Geez!

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Klinglerware

No, the impeachment wouldn't necessarily be vindictive. But, the democrats can certainly spin it (i.e., the whole "play up the sex/private life angle but play down the true criminality") to make it perceived to be vindictive.

And then, once the general public and media finish laughing themselves to death.........

Seriously, any attempt at spin in the manner you're describing would fall flat on its face. I'm guessing the Democrats aren't that stupid.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

I don't think they have to spin it. The Clinton ordeal gives them their best argument against a forced resignation. In fact, James Carville is already out there with 2 main points - (a) the whole thing is fishy and might be politically motivated (either that he was specifically targeted, or at least the leak of his involvement), and (b) bringing the whole Clinton thing full circle, he shouldn't resign if this is just about sex. I'll give Carville credit for one thing...at least he's consistent!

Just like with Clinton, he's ignoring the legal issues involved, of course. The Clinton thing wasn't a big deal until he lied under oath - I mean, it was a big deal because the Prez cheated on his wife with an intern, but as far as impeachment, that only gained traction because of his legal issues. I think the same thing applies here. If Spitzer isn't charged with anything - and so far, they've only charged the people running the ring - I think he has an argument that he shouldn't resign. That might not be feasible given the backlash and the fact that we're 10 years down the road from Clinton and people just aren't as forgiving, but I think he could push it. His problem is, he didn't just cheat on his wife - heck, Guilani did that and it never rose to this level - he did so with a prostitute and appears to have violated federal law in doing so. As an attorney, the least he could have done to protect himself was to choose someone in state! Geez!

Clearly the lesson from all of this is that when you're thinking about hiring a prostitute act locally.

It sounds like this guy made a ton of enemies. You can't be too surprised that it eventually came back and bit him in the ass.

[Butter]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Clearly the lesson from all of this is that when you're thinking about hiring a prostitute act locally.

It sounds like this guy made a ton of enemies. You can't be too surprised that it eventually came back and bit him in the ass.

Yep. Can't see how he won't resign after this.

[korme]

Didn't know Bill Cowher had an alias/second career

[Mr. Wednesday]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

From what I understand, this whole thing began as an alert over the large sum of money leaving his account. This began as a corruption investgiation, and turned into something more (or less, depending on your view of things). Obviously, one would hope Democrats were not the only target and similar large sum transfers of any elected official would be looked at as well.

One would hope so, but the donnybrook over the firing of U.S. attorneys suggests otherwise.

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

"I've been a baaaaaad boy!"

Uh-oh. This guy just resigned, and they haven't mentioned anything sexual in nature, but...

LOOK AT HIS FACE!!!



(and no, that's not Tom Coughlin)

[JasonC23]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Seriously, any attempt at spin in the manner you're describing would fall flat on its face. I'm guessing the Democrats aren't that stupid.

Is that a challenge??

(And I'm a lifelong Democrat.)

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

From what I understand, this whole thing began as an alert over the large sum of money leaving his account. This began as a corruption investgiation, and turned into something more (or less, depending on your view of things). Obviously, one would hope Democrats were not the only target and similar large sum transfers of any elected official would be looked at as well.

All banks must maintain a list of PEPs (Politically Exposed Persons). There are controls in place anytime large currency transactions take place, but when it's linked to a PEP, there are different avenues for the bank to go down in reporting it to FinCEN. I can say with first-hand experience that all large sum transfers of elected officials are looked at.

[Autumn]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Amusing. FOX News has put up a photo essay showing the catalog of call girls for the VIP Emperor's Club that Spitzer contacted...........

http://www.foxnews.com/photoessay/0,4644,3524,00.html

Boy, those are a bunch of skinny broads, for the most part.

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by Logan

All banks must maintain a list of PEPs (Politically Exposed Persons). There are controls in place anytime large currency transactions take place, but when it's linked to a PEP, there are different avenues for the bank to go down in reporting it to FinCEN. I can say with first-hand experience that all large sum transfers of elected officials are looked at.

Yeah, I take it on its face that this wasn't some sort of targeted thing, like Carville is making it out to be (or at least suggesting).

[cartman]

The t-shirts have already started to appear:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/23579565?photo=1

[Ksyrup]

Interesting that the Fox News report that he was planning to resign on Monday night was accurate, but his lawyers talked him out of it. What they are trying to do right now is secure a plea deal with no prison time in exchange for his resignation, and they needed him to remain Gov to maintain that bit of leverage with the Feds.

[Lathum]

Yahoo is reporting he is out

[Ksyrup]

11:30 presser

[Young Drachma]

Story

Former NJ Governor Jim McGreevey's ex-wife discussing the whole "stand by your man" thing and admitting she didn't know he was gay until he gave her a copy of his speech an hour before he was scheduled to do it.

Oops.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

Story

Former NJ Governor Jim McGreevey's ex-wife discussing the whole "stand by your man" thing and admitting she didn't know he was gay until he gave her a copy of his speech an hour before he was scheduled to do it.

Oops.

Especially shocking since she was apparently the only person in Jersey who didn't know he was gay.

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by Logan

Especially shocking since she was apparently the only person in Jersey who didn't know he was gay.

No kidding. But maybe she's just trying to sell her book.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Logan

All banks must maintain a list of PEPs (Politically Exposed Persons). There are controls in place anytime large currency transactions take place, but when it's linked to a PEP, there are different avenues for the bank to go down in reporting it to FinCEN. I can say with first-hand experience that all large sum transfers of elected officials are looked at.

As a follow-up, from today's WSJ:

Mr. Spitzer's status as a prominent government official appears to have opened the door to investigation into the matter. Many banks now examine transactions involving so-called "politically exposed persons" -- politicians, judges, prosecutors and their families -- to ensure they're not used to hide ill-gotten gains. At least one bank used by Mr. Spitzer, Capital One Corp.'s North Fork unit, flagged his transactions to federal regulators as a potential sign of corruption, people with knowledge of the transactions said.

[cartman]

...and the pics of the escort have been discovered. The Smoking Gun has them up, if anyone is interested.

edit: evidently she has (had) a MySpace page as well

[Logan]

She went to high school with my ex-girlfriend. I'll pass on the obvious analagous joke.

[Dr. Sak]

Drudge has a link to her myspace page.

[Ksyrup]

Her pic is on the front page of CNN. Probably not as revealing as what you can find elsewhere, but still...goodbye anonymity!

[BishopMVP]

From the MySpace page

When I was 17, I left home. It was my decision and I’ve never looked back. Left my hometown. Left a broken family. Left abuse. Left an older brother who had already split. Left and learned what it was like to have everything, and lose it, again and again. Learned what it was like to wake up one day and have the people you care about most gone. I have been alone. I have abused drugs. I have been broke and homeless.

It's like a walking cliche.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by BishopMVP

From the MySpace page It's like a walking cliche.

you left out the part where she said she had abused dogs.

edit: or maybe i was half-asleep when reading last night and dogs=drugs? idk

[korme]

I'm gonna go ahead and post a pic for the lazies:

[DaddyTorgo]

strictly meh

no way worth $4500

[bulletsponge]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

strictly meh

no way worth $4500

how many women are worth 4500 a bang?*


* please dont answer this in this thread

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by bulletsponge

how many women are worth 4500 a bang?*


* please dont answer this in this thread

lol

oh I think there are some. I can think of one off the top of my head.

[Apathetic Lurker]

Maybe her personality adds a couple thou dead presidents

[JonInMiddleGA]

http://www.macon.com/149/story/292746.html

Along with grooming potential major leaguers, Minor League Baseball is all about entertainment through unconventional ideas.

The Macon Music are hoping to capitalize on their latest.

The team announced Wednesday that Luther Williams Field will play host to Eliot Spitzer night on June 13 in honor of the disgraced New York governor who announced his resignation Wednesday after allegations surfaced about his involvement in a prostitution ring.

“If you look at Minor League Baseball as a whole, it’s all about the wildest, wackiest promotions out there,” South Coast League chief development officer J.D. Hardin said. “Hopefully, people will take this with a light attitude.”

The plans call for an invitation extended to Spitzer to attend the game and throw out the first pitch. Other elements for the promotion include:

- The Music will give away a trip to New York and a one-night stay at the Mayflower Hotel.

- The ninth fan – or Client No. 9, as Spitzer was known in the prostitution ring – into the ballpark will receive a free Music prize pack.

- Fans with the name Eliot, Spitzer or Kristen, along with any fan from New York, will receive $1 off admission. Any fan who has ever resigned a position will also receive $1 off admission.

- The Music will play Frank Sinatra songs throughout the night.

- Wire taps will be placed around the stadium.

- Fans will be able to use ATMs in the ballpark available for cash withdrawals not to exceed $5,000 per hour.

- The 871st fan through the gates will receive a gift certificate for the team store.
... as of Wednesday afternoon, Spitzer had not yet accepted or declined the invitation to attend the game. The promotion, however, will go on as planned regardless of Spitzer’s decision.

[JPhillips]

The Music will give away a trip to New York and a one-night stay at the Mayflower Hotel.

Dear Macon Music,

The Mayflower is in Washington, D.C.

Sincerely,

[B & B]

I applied for membership in the Emperor's Club.

Rejected! Apparently my American Express Card is the wrong color.

They suggested I apply at the Centurion's Club and the Gladiator's Club.

Again, rejection. They said, "You might try the ORC -- Ordinary Romans Club." So I filled out an app. it asked if I was familiar with Greek, something to do with the initiation ceremony. . I said "No, but I did take Latin in High School."

Not good enough, apparently.

All that's left is the Christian Singles. If you can make it through a couple of sessions with the Lions Club in the Coliseum, you're in. They've only got a single "escort," and everybody has to take turns "going for a ride" so to speak.

Apparently it's a Ford, 1987 DX model.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,337788,00.html

Also, I am relieved to report that Ashley’s MySpace page is back up and running. Apparently it got so many hits that the servers went down. Ashley is an expert, however, about things going down, and took it on the chin.

[Ksyrup]

Penthouse has already made her an offer.

[Ksyrup]

There are a few radio things going on that are Spitzer-related, but this one really caught my eye:

Sirius Launches 'Client 9 Radio'

You Give Us 22 Minutes, We'll Give You A Scandel
SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO has created "Client 9 Radio," a channel that will explore the breaking news, facts, fallout, psychology and implications of the SPITZER scandal. "Client 9 Radio" will air MARCH 14th at 5p ET - midnight MARCH 17th on SIRIUS channel 126.

VINNIE POLITAN, former COURT TV RADIO host, will be live in studio throughout the weekend to take calls from around the country, and offer expert legal advice and insight.

[Ksyrup]

I'm not posting the pic here, but apparently she's baring as much as possible in a NY Post "photo exclusive."