Zimmerman: Spitzer Should Go
Robert Zimmerman--a Democratic National Committee member and one of Hillary Clinton's major New York-based fund-raisers--appeared on CNN's Lou Dobbs Tonight last night and essentially called for Eliot Spitzer's resignation.
When asked, Zimmerman said he does not think the governor should survive the revelation that he patronized a prostitution ring, "If the facts are as they appear to be."
Zimmerman also said of Spitzer's public appearance yesterday, "He didn't get it."
Partial transcript:
ZIMMERMAN: You know, obviously the facts are going to come out in the next several days. The story will be told. If the facts are as we suspect, it's very hard to imagine him staying in office. This is such a tragedy not just for his family, but for the state. And his statement today didn't do us any - didn't do his case any good or help the state. His reference to this being a personal tragedy. It is one for the state, not just for his family. And the other point is, when he talked about the idea that politics is not just about men, it's about ideas and vision. It takes men of character to make those ideas and visions reality. He didn't get it.
[skip]
DOBBS: Do you think he survives?
ZIMMERMAN: No, I don't.
DOBBS: Do you think he should survive?
ZIMMERMAN: If the facts as are they appear to be, no, I don't. I think we have to let a next day or two to pass for the facts to come out.
DOBBS: Implication for the national political party? And implication if any for Senator Clinton or Senator Obama?
ZIMMERMAN: I think ultimately this situation with Governor Spitzer involving a prostitute is not going to have national ramifications. And I think to a great degree, the presidential campaign is going to be much bigger in this situation in New York
Of course he should go. What the hell is he waiting for; the sooner the better.
One of the reasons that this Spitzer thing is so bad—and not just a “private matter”—is that it put him in a blackmail situation.
When Spitzer got involved in this, he was giving a nefarious enterprise huge power over him as governor of New York State. That's a big deal.
What if they demanded funding for a project? Or a pardon for someone? Or jobs for 50 of their associates? Or a bill signed?
Think they'd have some leverage over him? You bet they would.
The governor of New York presides over a $125-plus billion budget, law enforcement authorities and hundreds of thousands of jobs. When he got involved with a criminal element, he compromised all those things.
That’s very much a matter of public interest.
Spitzer should go, practice what you preach!
This is pure win-win for the Republicans:
1.) If he stays and fights impeachment, then the Republicans butts are saved in November as they can publicly flog Elliot all campaign season long. November, by default, becomes a referendum on Elliot.
2.) If he goes, then Paterson is a guy Republicans can work with. Then, maybe, Albany can get something done and Republicans and Democrats can split the credit. Under normal circumstances not likely, but both sides have a need to share credit right now: Paterson needs to establish himself and the Republicans need to redeem themselves.