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."

Senator Craig Johnson received strong support from Spitzer last year when he won a special election for the 7th Senate District. "This state is bigger than just one person. Eliot Spitzer's resignation was the only choice that would ensure that the needs of all residents are not lost as this scandal continues to unfold," said Johnson. "Governor Spitzer's shocking and disturbing actions, for which he alone bears responsibility, have simply eliminated his ability to govern. The budget is still due April 1 and this state simply could not afford to have the governing process continue to be hampered by Governor Spitzer's legal and personal entanglements."

Assemblyman Tom Alfano, member of the Republican caucus of the State Assembly, said, "My thoughts and prayers are with Governor Spitzer's family today. We now must turn our attention to the job we're supposed to do. I look forward to working with Governor Paterson and his team. Our focus must now be on our state budget. My priority is very simple. We must fight for our fair share of school aid that was cut in the governor's budget. We have to stop the health care cuts to our hospitals and provide meaningful tax relief for homeowners. That's what the people expect our state to do. It's now time to get back to work for the people."