There were high hopes for Eliot Sptizer when he became the 54th governor in New York State history, but his political career came to an end on Wednesday morning, March 12, when he resigned his office after being connected to a prostitution ring.

"I look at my time as governor as what might have been," said the former attorney general. "I'm deeply sorry I did not live up to what was expected of me."

In a statement he made on Wednesday morning, Spitzer apologized to his family and the people of New York for his actions as he announced his resignation effective Monday, March 17.

He added that the remorse he felt would always be with him. He also vowed that he would concentrate on healing his family and then would try once again outside of politics to serve the common good.

Lieutenant Governor David Paterson will be sworn in on March 17 as governor. "Like all New Yorkers, I am saddened by what we have learned over the past several days. On a personal level, Governor Spitzer and Silda have been close and steadfast friends. As an elected official, the governor has worked hard for the people of New York," Paterson said. "It is now time for Albany to get back to work as the people of this state expect from us."

With Paterson becoming governor, Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno will fill the responsibilities of lieutenant governor in addition to his own position. "It's now time for us to move forward," Bruno said. "My heart goes out to his wife and family at this time."

Local politicians weighed in on Spitzer's resignation.

Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi said, "We are all shocked and saddened by the revelations regarding Governor Spitzer. My sympathy goes out to the Spitzer family as well as my best wishes for better times ahead.

"My best wishes also go out to my good friend David Paterson, to whom we pledge our complete support and cooperation, to make his transition as smooth and successful as possible.

"As Chairman of the New York State Commission on Property Tax Relief, I have worked closely with many members of the executive staff. I look forward to continuing this important work under David's direction.

"In America, our institutions are stronger than the people who preside over them. We have a system of government premised on the fact that the individuals that serve us are subject to failure. But that same system is designed to ensure that no matter the setback, we as a people will be able to change course and continue to move forward. And under Governor Paterson, we will move forward. We wish him great success," Suozzi concluded.

"While this is obviously a very difficult time for the Spitzer family and my thoughts are with them, the governor's resignation allows us to begin to put this unnecessary distraction behind us and get on with the business of getting a budget done for the people of New York," said Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R-Syosset)

"Like most New Yorkers, I am shocked and saddened by these events," said Presiding Officer Diane Yatauro (D-Glen Cove). "I think we should wait for all the facts to come out before offering specific comment."

"With David Paterson as governor of New York State, we will be in the best and ablest of hands. Doing a lot of his growing up in Nassau County, Governor Paterson will be uniquely receptive to the needs of Long Islanders," said Assemblyman Chuck Lavine.

Denise Nash contributed to this story