Update: Who will run New York state when Spitzer clears out? Lt. Governor David A. Paterson, a Harlem resident, has already shattered some barriers for minorities and the handicapped.

 From Paterson's official website: "

In 2002, David Paterson was elected minority leader of the New York
State Senate, the first non-white legislative leader in New York’s
history. In 2004 in Boston, he became the first visually impaired
person to address a Democratic National Convention. And 2006 saw Mr.
Paterson make history again by being elected New York’s first
African-American lieutenant governor. "

 Lt. Governor Paterson, who is legally blind, is also nationally
recognized as a leading advocate for the visually and physically
impaired. A graduate of Columbia University and Hofstra Law School, Mr.
Paterson also currently serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia’s
School for International and Public Affairs. David Paterson lives in
Harlem with his wife, Michelle, and their two children, Ashley and
Alex, and he is the son of Basil Paterson, the first non-white
secretary of state of New York and the first African-American
vice-chair of the national Democratic Party."

Update: Spitzer said "I sought to bring real change to New York." Citing what he called "nine years" of dedication to "progressive politics," Spitzer said that he apologized to his family, and to the public, "who I promised better."

"I have disappointed and failed to live up to..." standards and promises, Spitzer said, acknowledging that his actions, which he did not name, violated "any sense of right or wong." He said, however, that politics is about "ideas, not individuals."

The irony: Spitzer, who presented himself as a poster boy for battling corruption, and was once touted as a possible vice-presidential candidate for Wesley Clark, now may be remembered as "#9" in an indictment for prostitution. When he was inaugurated, Spitzer said "Some public officials may not want to face stricter ethics rules..."

New York state government right now is at a halt, with confusion reigning. No one quite knows who's in charge or for how long. Whether or not David Patterson has taken the oath of office, or if official papers are being circulated, is a mystery.

A major question: why did Spitzer not make a clean break with a resignation and then a statement? No one yet knows, but the fallout is only beginning.

Still coming: effects on tomorrow's Mississippi primary. With Barack Obama and HIllary Clinton duking it out, the ripple effect of a liberal governor who campaigned on a platform of change is yet to be seen. 

Update: In a stunning blow to Democrats, liberals, and his supporters, New York Governor Eliot Spitzer allegedly resigned his post today as a growing sex scandal bulldozed New York state and Democratic politics.

Spitzer spoke for only a few seconds, in a press conference so short that most news media couldn't get linked in. He apologized to his family and others, but did not address the issue of the prostitution allegations, nor other allegations.

In this confusing, multi-tentacled ethics mess, even Spitzer's resignation is creating chaos. He did not state his resignation in his terse statement, but speculation is that he submitted his resignation in writing.

Spitzer's cellphone records appaerntly were the factor that tripped him up. A federal indictment in the Southern District of New York that names Spitzer has been unsealed and is making  its way to the media.

Other black eyes for the "tough on crime" former prosecution: an investigation into his alleged use of state troopers to bully and track political opponents. Some are referring to the "dark underside" of the supposedly squeaky-clean, family values, corruption-fighting politician. 

Update: as we wait for Spitzer's press coference, here's a quote from Spitzer, who ran his entire political campaign as a "law and order," anti-corruption guy.

 ""Faith...faith affects every decision we make. The values we bring to
what we do, our notion that integrity should guide the marketplace, how
we deal with outher people, our definition of what government stands
for."

Update: reports are circulating that Spitzer had learned he was to be indicted for a criminal act in  involving using a prostitute. Ironically, this former prosecutor now will negotiate with prosecutors, if indicted, to avoid jail time on felony charges.

Who takes over? The contrast couldn't be greater. Spitzer is the son of upper NY weath. The new governor, David Paterson, is an African-American of humble origins. He's also legally blind.

Update: Spitzer is expected to resign. Ironically, in 2005 Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico called Spitzer "the future of the Democratic party."  

Update: Here's a profile of Spitzer from USliberals. 

The high-level prostitution ring being named charged up to $5,000 an hour. Fox News reports that Spitzer may be the "client #9" named in court documents. 

Update: there may be links to the Emperor's Club prostitution ring. Spitzer has also been under fire for alleged campaign contribution irregularities. The Democrat politician is married and has three children.

Original post follows. (Note: the highlight didn't come through, but I'm working rapidly.) 

New York Governor Eliot Spitzer has informed aides he will hold a press conference today admitting his links to a prostitution ring.

Source: nytimes.com