NEW YORK – Gov. Eliot Spitzer has announced that he is resigning amid a prostitution scandal, completing a spectacular fall from power. Spitzer made his announcement at his Manhattan office before dozens of reporters.

“I cannot allow for my private failings to disrupt the people’s work,” he said, with his wife at his side.

Spitzer says his resignation is effective Monday. He will be replaced by Lt. Gov. David Paterson, who will become New York’s first black governor.
The scandal erupted two days ago when allegations surfaced that the 48-year-old Spitzer spent thousands of dollars on a call girl at a swanky Washington hotel on the night before Valentine’s Day.