Client #9

March 10, 2008

We all have lots of NUMBER that identify us. I have a telephone number, a social security number, a street address, various credit card numbers and so on. When we get convicted of a crime we get a prison number. Right now Eliot Spitzer is hoping to not receive a prison number; however, the number nine is pain enough. Client # 9 more than devastating.

An affidavit in the federal investigation into a prostitution ring said that a wiretap recording captured a man identified as Client 9 on a telephone call confirming plans to have a woman travel from New York to Washington, where he had reserved a hotel room. The person briefed on the case identified Mr. Spitzer as Client 9.

The Democrat’s dilemma just got more painful- difficult.

In a brief press meeting today, Eliot Spitzer said, “I have acted in a way that violates my obligation to my family and violates my or any sense of right or wrong,” said Mr. Spitzer, who appeared with his wife Silda at his Manhattan office. “I apologize first and most importantly to my family. I apologize to the public to whom I promised better. I have disappointed and failed to live up to the standard I expected of myself. I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family.”

Before speaking, Mr. Spitzer stood with his arm around his wife; the two nodded and then strode forward together to face more than 100 reporters. Both had glassy, tear-filled eyes, but they did not cry.

The governor spoke for perhaps a minute and did not address his political future. Future? Yes, unfortunately being reported to have committed a crime doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world. For many being charged with a crime allows people to get rich, sell book and movie rights, and so on. However, to have been the head hancho busting prostituion rings (as he had done), and then getting cuaght up in one kills whatever TRUST that’s needed for the governor of anything.

The governor informed his top aides Sunday night and this morning of his involvement. He canceled his public events today and scheduled the announcement for this afternoon after inquiries from The Times. The governor’s aides appeared shaken before he spoke, and one of them began to weep as they waited for him to make his statement at his Manhattan office.

The man described as Client 9 in court papers arranged to meet with a prostitute who was part of the ring, Emperors Club VIP, on the night of Feb. 13. Mr. Spitzer traveled to Washington that evening, according to a person told of his travel arrangements. The affidavit says that Client 9 met with the woman in hotel room 871 but does not identify the hotel. Mr. Spitzer stayed at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington on Feb. 13, according to a source who was told of his travel arrangements. Room 871 at the Mayflower Hotel that evening was registered under another name.

Who knows where this will go, but whatever the outcome, the news for Hillary (can you say New York, Monica Lewinsky, and Bubba’s past trials) is too close to home. The Magnolia State primary goes on regardless. Fate has a way of changing our lives.

Written by Ernie · Filed Under Election News