The New Nation - Internet Edition

Reuters, Washington

New York Governor Eliot Spitzer has resigned after being caught paying for a high-priced prostitute at a luxury Washington hotel. After being disgraced by his links to a prostitution ring, the 48-year-old has bowed to days of pressure and resigned. "In the past few days, I've begun to atone for my private failings with my wife, Silda, my children and my entire family," he said. "I am deeply sorry that I did not live up to what was expected of me. "To every New Yorker and all those who believed in what I tried to stand for, I sincerely apologise." Known as 'Mr Clean' for taking down organised crime and tackling Wall Street corruption, Republicans had given the Democrat 48 hours to quit or face impeachment. He announced his resignation at his Manhattan office, with his wife standing by his side. He left without answering any questions from the media. Mr Spitzer will be replaced by his deputy, David Paterson, who will take over on St Patrick's Day and will become the first legally blind governor in the US.