The best advice that could be given to someone looking for a future in New York City government might be to get involved in a sex scandal in a previous office, resign in disgrace and then turn to the voters of the nation's largest city in an attempt at redemption. Anthony Weiner is trying to do just that and it was announced that former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer has similar plans as he runs for comptroller of New York City, according to CBS News.
Five years ago the former governor resigned after his name came up in a prostitution scandal. Spitzer may have spent as much as $80,000 on call girls in the 10 years that he was attorney general and governor, according to the New York Daily Post.
Now Spitzer, possibly influenced by the success that Weiner seems to be having in the polls during his mayoral run, has decided to make a comeback. Spitzer told The New York Times that his conversations with strangers urging him to come back into politics helped him make the decision.
"It happens all the time," Spitzer said. "People who walk with me on the street say, 'People really do want you to get back in.'"
Spitzer told The New York Times that he is interested in running for comptroller because he sees potential for the position to grow and make a difference in city politics; that the comptroller would not only monitor the city's expenses but also conduct inquiries to make sure that the money that is spent is done so effectively.
"The metaphor is what I did with the attorney general's office," Spitzer said. "It is ripe for greater and more exciting use of the office's jurisdiction."
If Spitzer is serious about running for office he's going to need to get into action right away; candidates only have until Thursday to collect the 3,750 signatures needed to appear on the primary ballot in September, according to The New York Times.
Prior to Spitzer's announcement it was thought that the comptroller's race was non-issue with victory all but assured for Manhattan borough president Scott Stringer. Stringer's camp released a statement in response to Spitzer's surprise announcement.
"Scott Stringer has a proven record of results and integrity and entered this race to help New York's middle class regain its footing," Sascha Owen, Stringer's campaign manager, said in the statement. "By contrast, Eliot Spitzer is going to spurn the campaign finance program to try and buy personal redemption with his family fortune."
Spitzer appeared on "CBS This Morning" and refuted the statement released by Stringer's campaign, at least partially.
"I don't want to be glib and say no, this has nothing to do with - I think anybody who's been through what I have been through, sure you want redemption," Spitzer said. "I don't think this is the best way to get it. Because if that's what I want, then I don't think this is the way, the path to it. But what I am seeking is service."
