Elliot Spitzer

Living in NY and being a Democrat meant that the election of Elliot Spitzer to the governorship was a big deal. That he turned out to have an unerring ability to do stupid stuff that makes me regret voting for him is a big deal as well. From the unnecessary illegal immigrant drivers license controversy to this Mann act violation its been a rough ride.

Here in NY we've had a dysfunctional government for decades. The Assembly has been run by the Democrats and the State Senate by the Republicans. Both houses have gerrymandered their districts to re-elect the party in control and keep the minority party... well in the minority. The end result has been a lot of gridlock and state budget that always has to be worked out by the three top state leaders, the Governor and the heads of the Assembly and Senate behind closed doors.

Demographic changes in the state have been eroding the Republican senate majority as of late. Its gotten so close that they are now only holding on by one vote. Joe Bruno, a tough, old school politician has been throwing everything including the kitchen sink out to stop this from happening. Spitzer's messes are his main ammunition in this. I don't see him being able to win in the end. The demographics are against that but he may just be able to hold on for now.

There is some good news though. Lt. Governor David Paterson will probably become our governor when Spitzer resigns(and really can he avoid it?) Paterson will be NY's first African American governor and well as being its first blind governor*.

It will be interesting to see if this has any effect on the Clinton campaign. Spitzer is/was one of her super delegates as well as being her top supporter in the state (if you discount Hllary herself.)

To sum up... my advice for any politician in similar circumstances is STOP BEING A DUMBASS WTH IS WRONG WITH YOU?? Words I think a good many people should live by.

UPDATE: Consumerist has the best headline on this whole thing here.
Check out the wikipedia entry for more info.