Eliot Spitzer: A Political Trajectory
An Examination of Public Service, Ambition, and Public Reckoning.
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Early Life and Education
Origins
Eliot Laurence Spitzer was born in the Bronx, New York City, on June 10, 1959. His parents were Anne (née Goldhaber), an English literature professor, and Bernard Spitzer, a prominent real estate developer. His family's heritage included Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Academic Foundation
Spitzer demonstrated exceptional academic aptitude early on. He graduated from Horace Mann School and later attended Princeton University, where he earned a B.A. from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. He continued his legal education at Harvard Law School, where he served as an editor of the Harvard Law Review.
Legal Career
Early Legal Practice
Following law school, Spitzer clerked for Judge Robert W. Sweet of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. He then joined the prestigious law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison before transitioning to public service.
Prosecutor and Investigator
Spitzer spent six years (1986–1992) as a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney's office, leading the labor-racketeering unit. He gained significant recognition for dismantling the Gambino crime family's control over industries through innovative antitrust strategies.
Private Practice and Advocacy
After his tenure as a prosecutor, Spitzer worked at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and later at Constantine and Partners, focusing on consumer rights and antitrust litigation, further honing his skills in complex legal battles.
New York State Attorney General
Electoral Campaigns
Spitzer first ran for Attorney General in 1994 but was unsuccessful. He secured the Democratic nomination in 1998 and subsequently defeated incumbent Dennis Vacco. He was re-elected in 2002 with a significant majority.
Tenure as AG: "Sheriff of Wall Street"
As Attorney General, Spitzer redefined the role by aggressively pursuing white-collar crime, securities fraud, and environmental protection cases. He earned the moniker "Sheriff of Wall Street" for his high-profile investigations into financial industry misconduct.
Loan Controversy
Spitzer faced scrutiny regarding campaign finance, specifically loans from his father, Bernard Spitzer. While he initially stated the loans were secured through mortgaging apartments, it was later revealed his father was effectively financing his campaigns, raising questions about financial transparency.
Governor of New York
Election and Inauguration
Spitzer was elected Governor of New York in 2006 with a record-breaking margin, running on a platform of reform and ethical governance. His inauguration in January 2007 was marked by an outdoor ceremony, a break from tradition.
Legislative Agenda and Challenges
Spitzer championed initiatives such as legalizing same-sex marriage and expanding access to driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants. However, his reform agenda faced significant opposition and roadblocks from the state legislature, leading to political gridlock and criticism of his "steamroller" approach.
"Troopergate" and Approval Ratings
Spitzer's administration was embroiled in the "Troopergate" scandal, involving the alleged misuse of State Police for political surveillance of Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno. This, coupled with policy setbacks and a perceived lack of compromise, led to a significant decline in his public approval ratings.
The Prostitution Scandal
Revelation and Investigation
In March 2008, The New York Times reported that Spitzer had patronized a high-priced escort service, Emperors Club VIP. Federal wiretaps, initially investigating potential money laundering, uncovered his involvement. Spitzer allegedly paid over $15,000 for services over several months.
Public Apology and Resignation
Following the revelations, Spitzer held a press conference to apologize to his family and the public, acknowledging his private failings. Facing impeachment proceedings and immense pressure, he announced his resignation as Governor, effective March 17, 2008.
Legal Aftermath
While Spitzer faced no criminal charges for his involvement in the sex ring, as no evidence of misuse of public funds was found, the scandal irrevocably altered his political career. Prosecutors cited that pressing charges would not serve the public interest.
Post-Governorship Career
Media and Academia
After leaving office, Spitzer engaged in various public-facing roles. He worked as a columnist for Slate magazine, offering commentary on economic and political issues. He also served as an adjunct instructor at City College of New York, teaching "Law and Public Policy."
Television Ventures
Spitzer made several television appearances and hosted programs on CNN (Parker Spitzer, later In the Arena) and Current TV (Viewpoint with Eliot Spitzer). These ventures aimed to re-engage with public discourse but met with mixed success.
Business and Investment
He returned to his family's real estate business, Spitzer Enterprises, leading significant development projects. Spitzer also became an investor and board member for financial technology startups, including TipRanks.
2013 Comptroller Campaign
In 2013, Spitzer sought a political comeback by running for New York City Comptroller. Despite a vigorous campaign and public appeals for forgiveness, he lost the Democratic primary nomination to Scott Stringer.
Personal Life
Marriages and Family
Spitzer married Silda Wall in 1987, and they had three children. The couple lived apart for several years before announcing their divorce in late 2013. He later became engaged to Roxana Girand, with whom he eventually had a small wedding.
Relationship with Lis Smith
Spitzer had a notable relationship with Lis Smith, a political consultant who had served as his spokeswoman during his 2013 comptroller campaign. This relationship concluded in 2015.
Extortion Victim
In 2016, Spitzer was reported to be the victim of an extortion scheme by Svetlana Travis-Zakharova, a Russian national. She was charged with forgery and grand larceny for allegedly extracting substantial sums from Spitzer and attempting to extort him.
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References
References
- Eliot Spitzer, Examined, Jewish Journal, Steve Weinberg, May 13, 2010
- NY Attorney General â D Primary Race â Sep 13, 1994. Our Campaigns.
- Primary Ahead in Attorney General Race â New York Times. The New York Times. (May 28, 1998).
- NY Attorney General â D Primary Race â Sep 15, 1998. Our Campaigns.
- Eliot Spitzer for Attorney General â New York Times. The New York Times. (October 29, 1998).
- NY Attorney General Race â Nov 03, 1998. Our Campaigns.
- NY Attorney General Race â Nov 05, 2002. Our Campaigns.
- Running for Running Mate. The Nation. Retrieved March 16, 2010.
- "Spitzer, Sworn in as New York Governor, Vows Historic Reform", Bloomberg, January 1, 2007. Retrieved July 27, 2007.
- "Disgraced NY Governor won't Need New Job". Associated Press, March 12, 2008
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