Whats the big deal? Yeah some government official pays for having sex. Is that illegal? he is cheating on his wife, which is bad, but is that illegal? I dont understand y pepl bother to waste time on such news...

Shoun, Kuala Lumpur,

Ashley Alexandra Dupre cashes in. You bet she does! What could she possibly do in addition to sex which would be worth 5500 dollars an hour, or 91.666 a minute? Sing like Montserrat Caballe? Paint a Van Gogh? Advise on ties?

RONNIE, PARIS, FRANCE

To John in Washington...

> since the act of sex for money is filmed it is protected.
> if it wasnt filmed, it would be illegal.

You have to see the funny side of this. Over here in the UK, filming something illegal doesn't make it legal. If we film an illegal act we call it 'gathering evidence'!

Mike Hart, London, UK

"Prostitute cashes in!!!!" No suprise there then...

Doug Bates, St. Albans,

to Paul in London.

the porn industry in the US is protected under our 1st ammendment right to free speach and freedom of expression.

since the act of sex for money is filmed it is protected. if it wasnt filmed, it would be illegal.

hope that helped. google the US Constitution if you need further clarification.

John Juge, Kirkland, Washington, USA

Business is Business, they both knew what they were doing. unfortunately, one will rise because of this, and the other will obviously fall in more ways than one.

Roderick, Victoria, , Texas

Spitzer was already under scrutiny for abusing police powers. His office used the NY State police to investigate the NY State Senate Republican Majority Leader, Joe Bruno, from Rensselaer County, Troy, NY. Three investigations are ongoing. See New York Post, Fred Dicker. His poll figures were at about 30 percent, down from 70 percent that elected him. He might have been removed for that scandal. This one just hastened the process. He was a disappointment to many New Yorkers before this scandal was revealed.

Roy Bercaw, Cambridge, MA USA

Can anyone from America please explain how the the massive porn industry in the US functions above board and legally if prostitution is illegal? Thanks.

Paul, London,

5000 /hr ? Poor man, he must have been absolutely desperate. Still, any port in a storm...

Ben, Wilmslow, Cheshire

What I love most about everything I have read on this issue is that everyone refers to this woman as a struggling artist barely making it financially. If I were making $5,000.00 an hour I would have a hard time telling people that I couldn't make ends meet. I also read that she is living in an apartment building where the rents start at $3,500 a month. What was she telling her family she was doing for work that she could afford that kind of apartment? It wouldn't take a genus to figure out that she wasn't covering that rent selling CD's and waiting tables. I don't have a problem with her being a $5000 an hour escort and she isn't the devil for what happened. But she isn't a victim either.

Kevin, Boston,

andy from france...prostitution is illegal and adultery is reprehensible. How does the $5000/hr fact even figure into the equation? So she gets paid a ton of money to break the law and be party to broken marriages...hooray for her. It seems difficult to believe that people would NOT see anything wrong with this situation.

rich, killeen, tx

To Andy, Lyon
Eliot Spitzer clearly believed what he did was wrong - why else would he have prosecuted those providing the same service he was availing of . This story is not about Spitzer's sexual conduct - it's about his sheer gall, arrogance and hypocrisy.

Esther, London, UK

Barb, Philadelphia:"Humans by nature are not monogamous"

That is not an established fact. Anthropologists claim that we suddenly became largely nuclear (quasi-monogamous) 30,000 years ago, along with a cultural explosion. I reckon we are fundamentally monogamous, due to what was probably a mutation, but with latent polygamous genes, so faithfully loving is a real choice and heroic. As an evolutionist christian I reckon that this was the advent of Adam and Eve. Also interesting to note the wipe-out of Neanderthal man, which I reckon were to have been our servants. Original sin put paid to that, and now we serve.

Adam McIntosh:"Meanwhile, who among us can cast the first stone? "

That may apply to the girl, but the guy is guilty of the greater crime of hypocrisy, and hypocrisy in public office. Even Jesus condemned such people as "vipers".

Greg Lorriman, Leatherhead, UK

Shouldn't she get prosecuted for prostition and soliciting?

Hamad Lone, London, England

We are all a bunch of hypocrites--for supporting anti-prostitution laws while simultaneously refusing to insist that our legislators outlaw casual sex without the exchange of money involved.

It's the SAME ACT people!

If the Governor had picked up "Kristen" in the hotel bar and taken her to his room, there would have been absolutely nothing "illegal" about the encounter--although the Governor may have bought her a drink or two.

This whole "prostitution" illegality is a slap in the face to rational thinking. If grown people want to have sex with each other--who cares?

Why should the exchange of money make an otherwise acceptable act unacceptable?

Prostitution laws are based on moral underpinnings. What rubbish! If it is morally "wrong" to have sex with another person (not one's spouse) for money, then it is equally "wrong" (morally speaking) to have non-spousal sex without money exchanged.

We are all hypocrites for allowing these illogical laws to stay on the books

Jhan Stevens, Las Vegas, NV, USA

i do not know why Spitzer should resign just because he had a link to a prostitution scandal?. all these people castegating him now are one way or the other involve in this type of scandal. may becasue he is a governor that is why his own was a big crime. which man will boast of innocency when it comes to wormanizing. Most of these people critising Spitzer has done worse things than his. We should be careful how we judge others because of their mistakes in life.

I want to encourage Mrs Spitzer to hold unto her love for her husband. do not allow people to descourage you to leave your husband. Just stand by him in this difficult times and encourage your children to love their father more now that he is going through this truma.

God bless you.

oby, lagos, nigeria

He had to resign because of his infidelity. Does anyone still believe that those who rule and reign over us should be paragons of virtue. How can anyone trust a politician (unbelievable that trust and politician can appear in the same sentence) with the future and prosperity of the State when he can't even keep a solemn promise to one person. Are we so jaundiced that we no longer expect our leaders to be above reproach - that we expect them to be liars and cheats? How can we believe he has any empathy for his constituents when he shows no respect for his own family? Sorry New York, but good riddance. He ought to be put out on the curb on trash pickup day.
Hal, Philadelphia, PA USA

Hal Harper, Philadelphia, PA

HIS............... parents must be so "proud."

cheree', new orleans , la, usa

the girl in question decided to live her life as a prostitute not because she is the only girl whose parents divorce but becaise she takes pleasure in doing it may be because of the cash that was rolling in

oby, lagos, nigeria

I'd like to know if Spitzer was "Client 9", who was 1-8 and 10-100? Are those people not note worthy? Who in politics decided that Spitzer was the one to bring out in to the open? Was it his time to "retire" from politics? Was he a burden on the Democratic party? Sounds like the Democratic version of the "Far Right Wing Conspiracy"...............

Ron Paul Supporter, Wichita,

What has he done wrong? Are you joking? Firstly, he broke the law, arrested other people for doing the same as he did and gloated whilst he was governor and in power. Secondly, he broke his family. If my husband did the same, it would ruin my life and my marriage as I would not trust him, as I do not feel this behaviour is respectful. I do not trust a 22 year old to force a man to wear a condom, so his dishonesty might cause me to end up with AIDS, and many a woman has had that problem. Unlike Mrs Spitzer, I would NOT stand up on a platform next to my husband, after he embarrassed me in front of the entire world and further embarass myself. Sorry, but it is you men iin Europe, who are out of touch with what women really want. I know many women look the other way in Europe, but not because they are "ok" with this behaviour but because they''ve been told by their culture that there is someting wrong with them if they complain. Yet, I've nevet met a man who would tolerate this.

Krista, Austin, Texas

Prostitutes will always make a living.It's nothing new.This is a non story.

EDWARD , TISBURY, UK

Her parents must be so "proud."

Kim Righetti, Upland, Calif. USA

I'm more annoyed that this world rewards more for a talentless, "it's all about the looks" occupation than the millions of hard-working, innovative scientists and engineers who constantly advance world development; they are paid a pittance compared to prostitution.

Jeff, Manchester,

I hate this outpouring of hyprocisy ... How can one say this girl has a low esteem of herself .... 5000 $ for an hours work ! ! ! she's up there with Bill Gates ..; and why on earth has this guy had to resign, what has he actually done wrong .. this demonstrates the gulf in maturity beyween the old pragmatic continent and the new world still pretending to be a puritan outpost !

andy , lyon, france

Humans by nature are not monogamous. Check out the statistics at wikipedia.com
Why is it such a shock that an politican is tied up in a sex scandal? Please!!! Men like Spitzer live for power and control. Sex is the bonus package for these men!!

Barb, Philadelphia, USA PA

Yes, her actions are questionable, but no one can judge anyone. I applaud the unconditional love and support Ashley is receiving from her loved ones. If that's "liberlism" than bring it on.

Liberalism is truly a mental disease. Thanks for showing all the world the evil that lurks from within.

John, Beverly Hills, CA

And my opinion, the issue shouldn't be about her anyway, there are thousands of prostitutes in the world. He was a man of power, wealth and influence. A MARRIED man. A FAMILY man. These are the kinds of fools that run our country.

Michael, New Castle, USA

As a Tire Salesman, I suppose I will never be able to qualify for a good lookin' chick like that so I will have to be happy with the ladies of E. Huston Street who will basically give the same product for about 40 bux. Sort of like a Walmart Special!

Ralf

ralf smolee, Fort Worth, Texas

There is nothing sick about it. Both, Spitzer and Ashley messed up. Spitzer is an arrogant and proud person who had EVERYTHING and threw it away by being a hypocrite. I understand his situation. Ashley is what she is and she did not have all the opportunities or affluence the governor had available to him. She is getting a break. If you want to support her, BUY her song so that she won't have to "work" anymore.

Al, Weston, FL

"The call-girl who ruined the New York governor..."

SHE didn't ruin the NY governor. He ruined himself by living a double life and being an arrogant hypocrite. However, the prevailing system in the US forces politicians to live double lives. If gays weren't demonized and persecuted by the religious right in the US, Jim McGreevey, for instance, would never have had to get married and put on a false front as a solid family man. If prostitution were legal, Spitzer's dalliances wouldn't have even been a blip on the radar and Bill Clinton would never have been impeached for his peccadilloes.

If a politician were a drug or alcohol abuser, that would be a cause for concern since those substances can impair judgment and alter brain function. But as far as their sex lives go, as Billie Holiday sang, 'ain't nobody's business'. Politicians are human beings, NOT saints sworn to celibacy!

It's about time we grew up as a nation and stopped being so juvenile when it comes to sex.

NYW, NYC, US

Yes, her actions are questionable, but no one can judge anyone. I applaud the unconditional love and support Ashley is receiving from her loved ones. If that's "liberlism" than bring it on.

John, Forest HIlls, NY

Wow for such a beautiful "nice" girl - why did she have such a low-self- esteem that she had to sell herself !!! I hope she can recover her sense of self and make something of her life and become the woman she was meant to be. Money is not the be all end all.....

Mickie, Brick, NJ

This is a really sick society where a prostitute is taking up so much print space and air time and using her notoriety to sell CD's. What is also difficult to understand is why a woman after being publicly humiliated would think that she has to "stand by her man" at all. The ex-governor's wife had clearly been crying and in distress. Why do these women feel the need to appear on TV next to their cheating husbands acting like they have their support ,when any woman who's been there knows they're dying inside?

M. Williams, Brooklyn, NY,

At least she has a job in practically the only business that isn't outsourcing to foreign countries!

And she is smart enough to charge hypocrites higher rates...I say good for her! I don't care if she can sing or not- I will buy her CD anyway. I will enjoy listening to it while Spitzer packs the moving van.

Darrell Kern, Los Angeles, California

three words she should get very familiar with... Internal Revenue Service

Grant Williams, Spring, Texas

Yeah, Wendy Kang, Charlestown, WV, USA! CONGRATULATIONS!

Hooray for you!! You told it like it is...in no uncertain terms!

Garth Strong, San Diego, USA/CAL

And now, this woman will profit and become an instant celebrity for breaking the law and ruining a family. Meanwhile, Spitzer is ruined (no sympathy for him, really) and his wife and children are humiliated. Only in America does this kind of stupidity and immorality get rewarded.

Michelle, Ohio, USA

Only in America can a hooker be glorified and become a millionare after winning the big lottery ticket- banging a governor. Very naive for the people who feel sorry for her....She knew exactly what she was doing, hungry for fame....There are many women out there that are victimized but do they go and become hookers? The answer is No......

Eva , New York, NY

Amazing how people will justify any wrong -- especially if sex is involved. As if the sex neutralizes the other crimes here.

Too many "progressive" people all too happy to excuse any and every crime. Sorry, folks, but prostitution is illegal because it reduces people to their basest nature, and it turns people, especially women, into mere products.

Larz Blackman, Chicago, IL

Spitzer was a Princeton grad with a perfect LSAT score--a Federal prosecutor, attorney general & governor. Spitzer self styled himself the "steamroller"--a self righteous unforgiving chief-law-enforcement officer who left no stone unturned prosecuting ethics violators. Spitzer not only championed prostitution laws, he worked with feminists to penalize sex trafficking & busted 2 prostitution rings. Spitzer was the one who insisted that Johns be targeted, exposed & prosecuted. So how did a savvy guy with SO much to lose set himself up to be caught in a Federal wire tap moving women across state lines & money laundering to subsidize a criminal enterprize? Where did S. get the hubris & entitlement to indict, imprison & destroy people for crimes he was knowingly facilitating to the tune of 80,000 bucks? Perhaps it wasn't Spitzer's intent to put his wife & daughters through hell. He just didn't care enough not to. Prositution is victimless as long as it's someone else's wife & daughters.

cathy hansen, ruckersville, USA, Virginia

It's high time we Americans had a tasty sex scandal. You Brits have had a corner on the market long enough. We've finally hit the triple play- Sex, politics and Hypocrisy! It would have been sufficiently juicy with just the sex, but having the Governor of New York as the star of the show, well it wouldn't have been any better if the Reverend Jerry Falwell had been caught. Sorry, England, make way for the new Boss! (not the same as the old boss, with apologies to the WHO).

Paul, Washington DC, USA

Well, I guess it would not be proper to say she's a ----- or a trashy ----. Maybe a lot of folks like that now-a-days. I read that porn is main-stream. I would advise her to keep a job other than singing. I don't think (for me) I would pay more than a dollar an hour. Well, maybe 1.50 if she promised NOT to sing.

James Dean, Dallas, USA/Texas

It is reported over here that client #6 was the Duke of Westminister. Are you sitting on the story as you did with Harry's adventure in Afghanistan?

Jerry, seattle , usa

I keep thinking, "There but for the grace of God go I . . ."I grew up in the sixties and seventies in the USA. I cannot imagine any who were young adults there and then having the chutzpa to claim a spotless life. Yet, that is what my country demands of its public figures. Some, like Spitzer, revel in playing thesaint. At their peril.
Meanwhile, who among us can cast the first stone?

Adam McIntosh, South Bend, Indiana USA

QUOTE: "As soon as he became Governor, the FBI followed him until they had something on him. Why? Because if Spitzer shows up as a Vice President or US Attorney General in the White House next year, it's like RFK in the 1960's all over again. They got rid of Spitzer, legally. Spitzer is 100% wrong in what he did, but it is minor when compared to what we lost in terms of future corruption clean up on a Federal level."
Elmer, Mason City, USA

The above is seriously some of the most diluted gobblediguk I have read today. Elmer, try following the chain of evidence and read the actual legal brief instead of tea leaves. Organized prostitution, or any prostitution for that matter, is not "minor". I am a little miffled at the fact Spitzer supporters and the media are in mourning over this rather than a state of outrage that he was engaged in this behavior! He was the Governor of NY gosh darn it. Heads of state are held to a higher moral standard than citizens. Period.

J Cooper, Lakewood,

This prostitute broke the law and needs to go to jail. What is wrong with our country?

Julie, Austin, TX

i guess that's why they call it "dirty politics" politicians somehow get entangled with "dirty deeds". what's surprising is that even the smartest of men fall prey to hookers. the question is what have become of American men? they work, get married, have kids and sleep with prostitutes. some resume huh?

lyn, orange country,

Whatever happened to good, honest people? We are a sad group when we glorify the very things that we should despise. All of you who think Ashley Dupre is a role model, ask yourself this...would you want your daughter to follow her footsteps? I was married to an "Elliot" for 18 years and have two children from him. There is nothing more painful than to watch a girl walk away with your life. Ms. Spitzer will suffer some very dark days ahead. I think we all need to be there for her and cheer her on when she comes out of the rubble. Bless her and her daughters. Ashley and Elliot can do without our support.

Stefanie, Calgary/Houston, Canada/Texas

No victims? Who's not a victim here? Top of the list: the wife, then the daughters, then the "hooker" who's 'trying to survive' and happy with who she is (what a crock!), then everyone else in the USA who adhere to this Country of big business, by big business and for big business.

Keith, Decatur, AL/USA

Prostitution should be legal. Let's praise Ashley for her work ethic and dedication. Capitalism occurs between consenting adults!

David, macon, ga

One has to wonder at the number of high profile men caught out this way. It must say that they are not satisfied at home - though their wishes are obvious. So many women seem blind to that side of their marriage. Tell me about it!

Ray Grafton, Crawley, Sussex, UK

Spitzer’s Crimes – Will He Pay Enough – Will He Pay At All

Assuming that the facts, or even many of them, are true as they have been presented in the myriad of articles on this subject, will the government extract the right amount of punishment for his crimes? That’s right – crimes – not just one crime.

Many apologists, and political cronies, are trying to find a way to get him off the hook, if he just resigns and apologizes. After all, these Democrats and liberals feel that there was no crime. It’s just sex. You know – like it was for Bill Clinton.

No – no – no. It is not just sex. Let’s list some of the sordid crimes:

1. Money laundering – or some form of it. He violated the same financial transactions legislation that he used to prosecute others, and SENT THEM TO JAIL.

2. Soliciting for Prostitution. Eliot Spitzer, over a period of about TEN YEARS, has solicited women for sex for pay. During part of that same period, he prosecuted prosecution rings and prostitutes and SENT THEM TO JAIL, for the same acts.

3. Identity Theft. Eliot Spitzer used the name and identity of George Fox, a close friend and political supporter, to book a room at the Mayflower Hotel, in order to cover up his participation in crime. During his years as NY-AG and U.S. Attorney, he prosecuted others for the same acts, and SENT THEM TO JAIL.

4. Compounding a Felony. Eliot Spitzer, having intimate working knowledge that an international prostitution ring was operating in his state and throughout the U.S., did not notify the authorities, so that the criminals could be apprehended. When he was a prosecutor, he likely squeezed informants, until they disclosed such information. If they did not, HE SENT THEM TO JAIL.

5. Suspected bribery. Perhaps Governor Spitzer received special hooker concierge service, maybe even a five-finger-discount, for the services rendered to him, in return for his silence. When Spitzer was prosecuting, he would have pressed this type of charge against a corrupt public official, and HE WOULD HAVE SENT THEM TO JAIL.

So while all of you apologists are thinking about ways to let Eliot off the hook, think about these things. It is NOT JUST ABOUT SEX. Right now his mouthpieces are plea bargaining to try to save him from jail time (that one is a no-brainer), trying to keep his law license (if he does, there is no justice), trying to keep any fines to a minimum, and perhaps even trying to bargain possible charges down to a misdemeanor.

Perhaps, just perhaps he should not have to serve jail time for these many crimes. However, if he gets any more favorable consideration than that, then someone should start an investigation of the prosecutors.

David, Covington, KY USA

Does anyone see the irony here?

Prostitutes and politicians are professional colleagues. They both make a living out of selling their personal dignity for money. I thing this woman has a great future in public service.

Cridhe Saorsa, Washington, DC

What a sad comment on our culture that this young woman who sold her body for a lot of money to afford an affluent NYC condo now gains all the free publicity her singing talent (if any, given the titles of some of her lyrics) could not earn her. A modest apartment, earned honestly, wasn't enough for her, apparently. The press/media are complicit in helping her achieve all this fame she sought. That is another kind of prostitution. Once again, women have been cheapened (yes, even and especially those who sell themselves for $4,000 a night), talent has been cheapened, journalism has been further cheapened. As for ex-Gov. Spitzer, I hope he repents for what he has done to his poor wife and daughters. What a caricature of a man! And the Dems are supposed to be the poor/working man's party? Not any more, not for a long time in reality. How many hungry could have been fed, sick could have been cured, homeless could have been sheltered with the $80,000 he squandered on his dissolute living?

Theresa, Cherry Hill, NJ

Does anyone have $4300 I can borrow?

john, hilton head, SC

I for one think this is a disgrace, and Ashley Alexandra Dupre and Eliot Spitzer should both be prosecuted by the law. I feel sorry only for his poor wife and kids, who must be totally humiliated. The ex governor career is in ruins and Penthouse magazine is rushing to reward this criminal with a cover shot. I do think the governor got what he deserved and I cant believe his wife stood by him in front of the cameras. I am not critizing his wife but she deserved better than to be put out there in front of the world and shamed. Call it what you want but this so called call girl is nothing but a prostitute who should have paid for her classy apartment with a "real" job, instead of degrading herself like that. As for the governor, he needs to be ashamed of himself for doing this and ruining his career and hurting his family.

Sherry, Pikeville, Kentucky

Weak people will do anything for money.

JR, Austin, USA

What's with this "poor girl" and "poor Elliott" stuff? At $3,500-$5,000 per hour, she is not hurting and he certainly has more than one silver spoon in his mouth. The only "poor" reference should be to the constituents of New York who voted this hubris filled egomaniac into office only to suffer his wrath, bullying and stupidity for hiring a hooker that's 5 years older than his own daughter!

rebecca, harrisburg, pa

As soon as he became Governor, the FBI followed him until they had something on him. Why? Because if Spitzer shows up as a Vice President or US Attorney General in the White House next year, it's like RFK in the 1960's all over again. They got rid of Spitzer, legally. Spitzer is 100% wrong in what he did, but it is minor when compared to what we lost in terms of future corruption clean up on a Federal level.

Elmer, Mason City, USA

He didn't just cheat on his wife, he cheated on his family. He's a hypocrit and he's only sorry that he got caught nothing else. I hate hearing scripted apologies...if he really was sorry he wouldn't need a speech writer for it. It's ridiculous. Don't blame the girl...she was doing what would get her paid...reputable or not.

By condemning prostitution, he was just fanning the flames and smoke away from what he was doing. People point the finger at and loathe the very thing that they have inside themselves. Think about it...why do liars hate other liars, because they see themselves. It's his own fault that he wasn't smart enough to realize that bad moral decisions can often kick dirt in the face of a political career...and if he wasn't smart enough to realize all the things he would lose like his family's trust and admiration and his political career then I say I hope that the entire rest of his life and the humiliation that everyone around him has suffered was worth $5,000.

Nicki, Duncannon, PA

I wonder how he'd discover this "VIP Club"---may be during his years as the Attorney General of New York he found it---rather than raid the club, he joined in!

m. p., new york, new york

She is really hot. I'd say worth every cent of US$4500. Eliot who?

DJ, New York, NY

HA! Way to cash in baby! It's not your fault he cheated on his wife, you had a job and you did it, and good for you, turning the tables on all the publicity. This girl is what America is all about, capitalism and opportunity... capitalism and opportunity...

Ken Wehrheim, San Diego, CA

All US banks and businesses are required to report any transaction over $10,000 to the Internal Revenue Service. If, say, two transactions of $5,000 are made in a short period of time to the same business that has to be reported. If you buy a car for $20,000 and make four $5,000 payments, that has to be reported by the car dealership.
Mr. & Mrs. Spitzer met at Harvard law school. For several years Mrs. Spitzer earned more than he did though his family is very rich. If she divorced him, even if there was pre-nuptial agreement, she would have a lot more money than most of us will ever have. Maybe she has stood by him because she loves him. Maybe the marriage vows of " for better or worse" meant something to her.

Rob, Fishers, Indiana, USA

She didn't "ruin him". He ruined himself and his family. Looks like the old double standard still at work here.

Marie, Blue Ridge, GA, USA

Women are nuts if they think all men visit prostitutes. Weak men might. Real men are people of honesty and integrity. I feel sorry for someone who never knew a man who would not visit a prostitute

Bob Price, San Antonio,

I don't condone adultery, but I suppose it would have been all the more tragic if she wasn't good looking. At least poor Eliot has taste.

As far as prostitution, leave the poor girl alone. If she wants to slut around for money, that is her business. The sad part in all of this that people are actually buying her music because of this.

Paul, NYC, USA

Good for her, she sounds like a really nice person.

Jack

Jack, Indianapolis, IN

she better stick to hooking for her fame and succes. She can not sing at all!!!! She should find another call girl outfit!

John Dough , Washington, DC

Its amazing how liberal people are that they are APPROVING Ms Dupre's line of work. To hear your family say "I support you 100%" is beyond my comprehension. If I was family, I would be so disgraced knowing someone I love doesn't love herself enough that she has to sell her body for money and that to me is NOT applaudable. Sorry but another case of liberalism gone wrong in today's promiscuous society. My utmost sympathy goes out to Mrs Spitzer, she's the one who deserves MY full support and love. Its devastating to know your husband cheated but to think he was so lowdown to cheat with a prostitute is beyond betrayal. I hope Spitzer gets what he deserves and the only criminal thing he did wasn't that he had sex with a prostitute but the fact that he mis-use his power as a politician and misuse funds to support his sick habit.

wendy kang, Charlestown, WV, USA

You have it wrong. The call girl didn't "ruin" the New York Governor. He did that all by himself: he set up the date, paid her way to/from Washington, made the hotel arrangements, and paid her handsomely. Yes, he did it to himself.

Jim Brown, Alexander City, , Alabama, USA

This drives me absolutely batty, and journalists would do well to take note:

It's "upload." Ms. Dupre "uploaded a new track to an online music-seller." Downloading is what I do on my end, what I pay for to obtain her content.

Josh Miller, Joliet, IL

Men are as faithful as their options.

Chris, Atlanta, Ga

If you cheat on your wife you can cheat anyone

Chris, Austin, TX

His actions have demonstrated that he lacks the judgment necessary to lead. Who on Earth would spend $5,000 for an hour with that woman?

Kevin, Houston, TX

Can't this woman, or prostitute be prosecuted for being a hooker before she literally makes millions? I betcha she'll sell her story to people magazine or some other publication for millions. Sick! Only in America.

Liam, Raleigh, North Carolina

All you haters, save your outrage for the governor, He is 48, she is 22.

chas, Phoenix,

I hope she does well, being homeless in NY City is hard as hell, and when she is successful I hope she remembers how
hard it is for the many people still in the same situation.

Steve, Manchester, UK

Oh please stop. Dupre didn't ruin Spitzer. He ruined himself. Stop portraying her as the bad guy.

Michelle, Odenton, MD

Do people think anymore???... A person who is in charge of public money cannot put himself in position in which he can be compromised. Such as,blackmail, due to ones's indescretions. I do not care if someone wants to pay for sex, as long as one is not a public servant and married. Those who don't see that as a problem; need a strong cup of tea.

Dwayne Golden, Plymouth, IN

Are you at all surprised? The MEDIA (including the Times) is treating her like a superstar because she is good looking, and makes good print. If she were ugly, the Times would have posted her picture once. End of story.

Bengolly, Falls Church, VA

The governor took down himself....the call girl was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Zackie, Toronto,

Everyone, and I mean everyone has tendencies honed and allowed to manifest and grow based on ones imaginations from the earliest. You feed these imaginations, they grow and define your self perception. They make you and eventually break you. This man HAD these tendencies BEFORE he was married and he continued to feed these tendencies and so became a slave to them. Money no doubt was a type of fertilizer to fulfill and bring to fruition his most secretive desired imaginations. Even with all the success he could never escape these character traits and so continued to feed them. Convincing himself he was even entitled to them after being all so successful. He hid them very well from even his wife whom he used as a shield. Powerful thing the mind.

paul G, Lafayette, LA

The one thing that really irritates me about this article is that over and over again they say "the girl that took down the governor". Excuse me but didn't he call for her? Wasn't it HIS bank that called the FBI about funny money transactions? This girl did not set this guy up, he did it to HIMSELF! She did what she did for money and she would have done it to anybody for the right price.... I can't fell remotely sorry for this guy, when you play with fire.. OUCH! it burns.

Kevin Blackburn, Nashville, tn

The call-girl didn't ruin the governor. The governor's own actions ruined the governor!

Les, toronto, Canada

How does a call girl ruin a politician?

alan soucy, ipswich, ma,

Your correspondent refers to the woman as "The call-girl who ruined the New York governor." Excuse me? She ruined him? No. He ruined himself.

Matthew Cope, Westmount, QC

To paraphrase an American radio personality, Judge Napolitano: While acting as New York Attorney General, Spitzer was making the choice to prosecute one prostitution ring while using another.

He therefore was using his private preferences to protect one party while prosecuting another from his public office. This "progressive" hero of the nanny state was abusing his power and position and should be put in jail just as he threatened so many other with prison.

Victor Daniels, Buffalo, New York, USA

"Maybe I'm a cynic, but I assume most men have at least once had sex with a prostitute. " - Gabi, Barcelona, Spain

You've got to be kidding me?

I guess there are many more men of honor and trust and faithfulness in my life than in yours. I feel sorry for you!

AMB, San Mateo, CA, USA

Spitzer who inherited 500 million dollars, used class envy to chase people he did not agree with politically. What comes around goes around, Eliot. I feel sorry for his family, but not him. Wall Street is dancing on his political grave.

I'm also sure the parents of this whore are very proud of her. She has accomplished so much at such a young age. Someone for other girls to look up to.

Ace Baker, Syracuse, NY USA

Brian, London , UK:"What he does in his private life does not necessarily transfer to his public responsibilities they are entirely different domains."

What we do in private most definitely resonates with our public works. Indeed they will inevitably reflect each other. It is even clearer in this case:

Marriage is a public and solemn vow of faithful love. Breaking that vow means at least one of a)bad judge of character b)weak will c)there heart wasn't in it (the marriage). No one should take public office under those conditions.

Public office is not a matter of technical ability, which is a pre-requisite, but of having a strong will, good judge of character and trustworthiness/personal-integrity.

Greg Lorriman, Leatherhead, UK

"Maybe I'm a cynic, but I assume most men have at least once had sex with a prostitute."

Gabi - not a cynic but quotable for stupid comments.

Gareth, London, London

hmmm - remember Scooter Libby? Now, didn't he have a few powerful friends, who just be in a position to have some influence on how FBI resources are (mis)directed? Who understand 'mafia' rules, that you always always take revenge? Why don't the US taxpayers get indignant about the way their tax dollars and resources are being squandered in so-called homeland security?

Yorkiebar, Avignon, France

If you cloth yourself in righteousness and campaign on that platform the public expects your conduct to be exemplary.

He is a hypocrite. His blathering on about how much he had let down his wife and family (which is obvious) whilst attemping to cling to power shows just how out of touch with reality he really is.

From the moment the story broke his position was untenable.

For a crusader who wanted to clean up the temlpe of mannon he above all should have realised the dangers of "live by the sword die by the sword."

There will be much clinking of glasses in Manhattan.

Andy M, London,

Eliot Spitzer should have been born in Africa, Middle East or France where experience has shown that a man need not be tied down to one woman. In Africa and the Middle East, a man can marry more than one wife and in France and the latin countries, it is well accepted that you need a mistress. Life is hard for the top people. If in doubt, ask the last President of USA.

Godwin Opurum, Lagos, Nigeria

Personally, I see nothing wrong in two adults having consensual sex - I don't care whether this young lady is a 'pro' or not or whether he is married - it is 'up to them' and he (at least) will have to sort it out with his wife.

However, if this guy has made a career out of busting people for doing what he has been doing, then he deserves all he gets.

'Do as I say, not as I do' seems to be a familar tune with those in public 'service' in all countries.

Mike, Singapore, Singapore

And where did a man who campaigned against greed and corruption get $5,500 to spend in an afternoon?

Esther, London, UK

Moral tales are seldom as neat and rounded as this one.

Spitzer revels in the publicity gained by cracking down on two prostitution rings - then dies in the publicity surrounding his patronizing the third.

Spitzer uses the Martin Act, a law dating from the 1920s aimed at "bucket shops" which were fleecing the public at that time. It is now obsolete and should have been repealed years ago. He used the law's wide powers against Wall Street in a manner for which it was never intended.

He is now threatened by the Mann Act, a law dating from 1910 aimed at the "white slave trade" which was thought to be a danger at the time. It is now obsolete and should have been repealed years ago. It might be used against the customer of a prostitute, for which it was never intended.

The symmetry is perfect!

Charles, Charlottesville, USA

Now that "Client-9" is known, lets find out who "Clients 1-8" are. Might be interesting to know who the other 8 high profile idiots are who have paid large sums of money to prostitutes instead of buying their wives diamond rings ! Hey Media, get on with it - go the whole length and expose all of them.

DEV DE SILVA, OCEAN SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI

Jeffrey Churchill, Pierrefonds, Quebec. Canada: and the three words you fail to add to the front of your religious rant was "I believe that..." We all have every damn reason to judge him. He broke the law, and he used public funds to campaign against something he himself used.

Laura Roberts, London, UK

One of the most disturbing things about this story was that he was being charged US$5,500/hour - good grief!!

Grant, Bristol,

Ladies and Gentlemen:
Let me remind all those who has an opinion concerning the resignation of the Governor of New York State, Eliot Spitzer of Matthew 7.
" Judge not, that you be not judged, for with what judgement you judge, you will be judged ; And with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brothers eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye ? " or how can you say to your brother ,let me remove the speck out of your eye ; And look, a plank is in your own eye ?
Hypocrite ! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck out of your brothers eye.
We do not have the right to judge him, that is the duty of God, and not man. My duty as a Christian human being is to pray for him, and his family. May God grant him peace, and forgiveness .

Jeffrey Churchill, Pierrefonds, Quebec. Canada

Brian of London, your comments sadden me intensely.

Last Friday I discovered that my partner had been indulging in an affair over the past 10 months.

There is no point even beginning to describe to you how I am feeling. Even though he begs for forgiveness and a new start, my life just seems to have gone into slow motion.

Contrary to your beliefs, we had a fantastic sex life, wonderful friendship, lived life to the full, and as a couple were very popular and the envy of many. Hence the shock. I did not see this coming.

The enormity of what he has done has left a feeling in me of total grief.

There are those out there who may be patting Spitzer on the back, "what a guy" - "lucky lad" and all that, but privately, (and that is what this whole saga is, "private") his wife must be living a nightmare. As I am.

Louise, West Yorkshire, UK

David in London - you are absolutely correct. Spitzer has a right to privacy and if possible he will be given exactly that. I as a former Wall Streeter recommend at least 20 years of strict privacy. The nerve of Spitzer; to arrest people for a crime all the time committing exactly the same crime. Gives a new meaning to the term audacity.

Emma, New York , USA

Charles

Don't you think "the banks" were just looking for an opportunity to get this guy?

Kathryn, Vienna, Austria

Spitzer's problem is not so much his use of those services, as his hypocrisy.

Ben Hoff, New Jersey, USA

I've long enjoyed "Have Your Say"

Always interesting to read a broad range of world opinion.

John Ledbury: - Perhaps if you read more of the financial press you would have known who Eliot Spitzer was/is.

David S, Manchester, UK

So it's not about the sex that I feel sorry for her, it's more about the humiliation of having to stand beside this hypocrite man...
Gabi, Barcelona, Spain

But that's the point. She doesn't have to. She doesn't have to stand by him, go home with him, support him. She can run for the hills as anyone with self respect would do. Or is she as much a prostitute as the call girls, in it for the money, the prestige, the whatever it is that these Stepford Wives-type American women go for?

Laura Roberts, London, UK

It was beautifully summed up by Robin Williams who said "The trouble is God gave man a brain and a penis, but only enough blood to run one at a time".

Robin, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

John, Ledbury - Actually Spitzer extremely familiar with those of us who work in the City. I work for an American that, undeservedly, fell foul of his sheriff duties on Wall Street. He cam into prominence publicly arresting 2 brokers, with hand cuffs and camera in tow, in Wall Street. They were both found innocent of all charges....however Sptizer achieved his main aim of showing the public how tough he could be, resulting in gaining the popular vote.

RP, London

RP, London, UK

$4300 for this woman? Spitzer really is nuts.

John Chuckman, toronto, Canada

Yep, my New York pals and I are glad to see this guy go. And yes, it does matter - tramping it up isn't the way to behave while in public office. By the way, prostitution is illegal.

lilspeth, New York City, NY

If you or I had were accused of the same crimes that he is accused of committing, and he were the prosecutor, I bet that we would not fare as well as he will!!! We would be going to jail AND losing our law license. All that he has to do is quit his $200 thousand per year job and go home to his 5th avenue apartment and count his inherited family money. This seems fair (said with sarcasm!!)

Candice P., Albany, USA / New York

Fancy having to resign over a case of 'consumerism', I don't quite get it, what exactly is the 'crime' here? apart from being unfaithful to his wife, which has been done before by others with much higher profiles?
Any Politician with hidden agendas, who get elected in order to carry out policies not admitted in their election campaigns should all be fired, but for 'seeking refuge with a sympathetic female' really!

Clive Burghard , LANCING, ENGLAND

David - it's not that he used a prostitute, it's that he is a complete hypocrite. Spitzer has come down hard on prostitues in NY. To then use them hardly screams of a politian with integrity.

Sarah, London, UK

Astonishing how someone whom no one in this country has ever heard of can suddenlt hit the headlines

John Ledbury, Kings Lynn, England

David, people care because he went after prostituion rings when a NY public prosecutor with such vehemence, denouncing them and trying to get much stricter laws against them than in the rest of the country put in place. So for him to now call it a "private failing" is ridiculous.

Ed, NYC,

Poor woman, having to stand there by his side. Maybe I'm a cynic, but I assume most men have at least once had sex with a prostitute. I obviously wouldn't like my husband/bf to use a prostitute when he can have sex with me. But I do realize men draw a thick line between sex and love. So it's not about the sex that I feel sorry for her, it's more about the humiliation of having to stand beside this hypocrite man with a sad look in her face when she's really thinking "God, I hate this ugly bastard. Can't believe I gave him the best years of my life and three daughters, and still have to be by his side before millions spectators".

Gabi, Barcelona, Spain

OH, come on, just because the rest of the US governmant hasn't been caught doing something dirty! Corruption in America is not new, they obviously wanted this guy out. This is happening every day in every government. If the FBI wants to get someone for something they will do so, even if they have to frame them. And they call it a democracy...

Natasha Michael, London, UK

she is lush but not worth $5500.... much cheaper to pleasure one's self and a lot less trouble?

chris, st austell,

“Listen, the more men you’ve had the more I love you. Do you understand that?”

“Yes, perfectly.”

“I hate purity, I hate goodness. I don’t want any virtue to exist anywhere. I want everybody to be corrupt to the bones.”

From "1984", by his Holiness, Saint George Orwell.

Eugene, heidelberg, germany

Open your eyes and be realistic. He knew of an illegal prostitution ring and rather than report it (being a lawyer, former Attorney General, and now the Governor), he did not! He patronized it (aiding and abbeting felons). This "business" left him open to black mail and that is the public's business. Any country in the world, friend or enemy, will pay to have a tape of the NY Governor ordering a hooker or moving money to felons.
Remember that Monica Lewinsky hid her stained dress so that even with a search warrant the Feds could not find it. She wrote to President Clinton and demanded a $100,000 a year job, in New York, or she would tell. Governor McGreevey of New Jersey got his lover a job in Homeland Security when his lover could not get the necessary secruity clearance as he was a foreigner!!!
Worst of all, Spitzer was wanted unprotected sex with the most risky type of person - a hooker. He then went home and risked harming his unsuspecting wife. That's criminal.

Louis, Mason City, USA

Not only was Governor Spitzer stupid enough to get caught, but he had betrayed the public trust. Those who somehow see an issue of puritanism in American politics and nothing else are just as misguided as the ex-governor. What one does as a private individual is one thing, but a public figure must be accountable to the public.

Albatross, Sacramento, USA

He's a normal heterosexual man and normal heterosexual men enjoy exciting sex. The majority of wives (according to research and the vast majority of anecdotal evidence) go off sex after they have children. What do you expect him to do - live like a monk? What he does in his private life does not necessarily transfer to his public responsibilities they are entirely different domains. How many of those now pontificating on Spitzer are actually doing the same things? I'd guess at least 20 Percent. Because they're normal.

Brian, London , UK

Keith S :" but let him visit a prostitute and his career ends"

No, Keith. It is that he broke trust, is a hypocrite and acted in contradiction of the requirements of his own job.

Whatever anyone thinks about prostitution and sexuality this guy had to go.

Greg Lorriman, Leatherhead, UK

I believe that were I the wife I'd be damned if I'd stand by his side while he made the announcement. I'd chuck him out right away .. not so much for the sex but for the shear hypocrisy, for letting his party down. Just shows you, when it comes to sex, men don't think with their brain.

dunlochan, france,

James, I completely agree. It seems that our country is run by crooks. The fact that it is as clear as day that "good aul Bertie" is a crook and still has not resigned OR been forced to resign is ridiculous. Look at Ian Paisley Jr in the North, it was merely hinted that he had some dodgy dealings and he resigned quick as.

Dolores, Kilkenny, Ireland

Eugene, why are you worrying about the safety of the streets in NY when you live in Germany?

simon, london,

Ah'm minded of a tune by the grateful dead called Dupree's diamond Blues In it
a man commits a robbery to git a little luv but gets caught. the last lines are;

"Judge told Dupree "I know your baby well
But that's a story I can never tell"
Dupree told the Judge,"Judge it's well understood
but you got to admit that sweet sweet jellies so good"

heh heh Wa'll b'lieve in morality
'specially when someone else pays for it

polytricks is a rough game , eh?

ALF, holbrook, NY/ USA

Unlike the former Deputy Leader of the Labour Government, John Prescott, who was caught bonking his secretary...on a Cabinet table during office hours..then put up two fingers to the British electorate and continued to take his fat salary...

At least this man Spitzer had the good sense to resign.

Susannah, Hanover, Germany

Chin up Mr Spitzer, I wouldn't worry too much. You are from a country where the President can have affairs with his staff and survive impeachment. Even the Mayor of the Capital city can be caught smoking crack with an under age prostitute and be re-elected.

I'm sure you'll be President some day.

Mike Gow, Beijing, China

It seems a little hypocritical to elect someone as a community representative, then to force him to resign when his behavior is representative of the community.

I would personally prefer a person with frail human traits to represent me rather than some fabricated, distorted alternative.

Stephen, Sydney, Australia

I didn't realise it was possible to be illegally blind. What next?

mark mcfarland, dubai,

Gosh ! What a hypocrite. What was he thinking ? With his high profile cases against Wall Street, etc. He should have known that others would be watching him very closely.

Thomas Grimms, FL, USA

Thomas Grimms, Orlando, Florida, USA

An honourable resignation..whew ! What's happening ?

Jody McStravick, Viroflay, France

Robin from CA,
This young woman isn't going to get fat like Ms. Lewinsky within the next twenty years. I've seen some of her pictures and she's got a different body structure at 105 pounds and 5'5". It's also not surprising that she was abused as a child. Hopefully she can get some professional help, find a respectable profession, and pick herself up.

Joe, NYC,

What better publicity for the Emperors Club? And now that Kristen's face is on YouTube, she can raise her rate
to $1000 a minute.

San Ying, Montreal, Canada QC

Great job, members of the Press. I now feel much safer walking the streets of New York knowing that all expensive call girls have been caught out, and that a high politician's family has been put to shame. Ah, to see what's left of your tax dollars against the euro put to work!

Eugene, heidelberg, germany

had only he been a politician in ireland, he would still be in his job, just look at an taoiseach, "el presidente" bertie ahern . . .

james mackin, dublin, ireland

The circumstances under which he was caught were interesting: the bank tipped off the authorities under the law that gives the government the power to monitor fund flow for suspected terrorist activities. Obviously, the govenment's monitoring extend far beyond the scope of terrorist activitities. America is no longer a free and safe country for there is a big brother watching over everyone.

Charles, Hong Kong,

It doesn't matter how many illegal wars a politician gets us into, whether he follows the will of his country's citizens or the will of a foreign power, but let him visit a prostitute and his career ends.

Keith S, Winnipeg, Canada

Yet another Monica Lewinsky, the poor prostitute 'loves who she is' and her ''job'' obviously (clearly a dream for her), but will soon put on weight, become home bound for life and fade into obscurity...

Robin, CA, USA

As Mr Spitzer cannot keep his promises to his own family, (he would have been deceitful to those his nearest and dearest) how can anybody trust him? If you are happy with leaders who lie to you and disrespect you then you'll be disappointed in his resignation.

John Graham, Belfast, Ireland

David, Structuring is the layering of cash transactions in an effort to avoid the reporting requirements (10,000 in cash must be reported). This is a very important tool for law enforcement in preventing money laundering and these days terrorism.

As to Prostitution, it is is illegal and while you or I might not agree with the severity of this, it is the legislature that makes it illegal. as the highest officer in the state, the Governor has the highest duty and moral obligation not to break the law. i really don't see how he had any choice but to resign.

andrew, miami, fl usa

he is only sorry he got caught - his first statement "politics is not about the individual..." was nonsense

I feel very sorry for his wife

mark, houston,

He has done plenty wrong, Mr Valentine of North Carolina. If he wants a five thousand dollar pro, he should pay for it out of his own pocket, not mine. If he can't afford it, he should go cheaper -- not take MY tax money to live above his means.

It's also amusing (in a gross way) how much time and effort he put into busting up just such rings as this one he patronized. Why on earth would he go so visibly on the warpath against his own deepest vice, calling so much attention to it? Of course he'd get caught.

Mac, NY, NY

This is the issue in US. Different deals for different stature of people. He should go to jail, because he broke the law. Pure and simple. In fact I will site this when I do something illegal.

JP, Phl,

Spitzer should become the poster child for legalization of the two "victimless crimes" that overburden the criminal justice system - prostitution and marijuana possession. Legalize, regulate and tax both instead of spending precious resources arresting, processing and incarcerating the perpetrators of these very human activities.

Viv , Phoenix, Arizona

Funny how no-one belly-aches with any seriousness about the Republicans who have been caught or are doing exactly the same thing!!

Paul Downes, Milton Keynes, Bucks

I agree Nona that just about everyone is "pleased to see the back of this arrogant man". However, one has wonder about voters who made him Governor with a historic 70% of the vote. Without patting myself on the back, I can say that his arrogant methods of obtaining "reforms" that bordered on extortion should have been perceived by the general public. So while I feel Spitzer did the correct thing in resigning, I am left wondering why voters can not make better judgements about persons they put in power - especially since in this case his utterly ruthless personality was so evident.

John, Tampa, Florida

The issue, whether with Clinton or Spitzer, is most certainly NOT about sex. It is something more critical to the social fabric of a people. It is about fulfilling the duties, obligations and responsibilities of the office to which both Clinton and Spitzer were elected. In both cases, they were the chief law enforcement officers of the nation and the state. And yet they placed themselves above the law, believing the could violate the law with impunity because of the position.

The worse case of the two has to be Clinton, for he first looked America squarely in the eye and lied to every citizen of the land. That alone was not a lie, but then he compounded the matter by several magnitudes by lying under oath, an act of perjury for which any number of lesser people have been imprisoned.

Bob Evans, Anaheim, California

I think we can assume that the man who was convicted recently for prostitute murders in Ipswich, never booked Kirsten.

Paul Francis, Brisbane, Australia

The bigger issue in most people's minds is the fact that he wins the prize for "Biggest Hypocrite." He presented himself as a "take no prisoners" type of enforcer who will work hard to clean up corruption and bring back trust in American government. He held himself up to be morally above all. "Over-zealous" and "unaccommodating" are adjectives often associated with him. Just read any story about him. Hypocrisy is the main reason this is such sensational news here in the U.S. He is a disgusting character, Mr. Harvard Law-man, who himself put others away for running prostitution rings.

Sue, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

The test for application of the Federal "Mann Act" is easy. It is the difference between lust and wanderlust.

Wallace Edward Brand, Alexandria, VA, US

Spitzer did nothing wrong. Women who make $4300 per hour have a choice, just like everyone else. She is not a victim. They make sex their purpose at that point in their lives. Her choice should be respected. There are many women who must sell themselves to survive - these women are victims.

Charles Valentine, Raleigh, NC

Dear Simon,

The point is not whether or not former-President Clinton cheated on his wife with another woman, but that Spitzer paid for a prostitue, which is illegal. I do not care whether or not your laws are different in the UK vs. the US, but to add ignorant comments to a discussion is rather unnecessary.

The fact of the matter is that in the US it is illegal to have sex with a prostitute, or "call girl" (exception to that is Las Vegas). In politics there is a little thing called appearance versus reality, if you do not appear to be the good law-abiding politician that the public wants, then step down because the appearance you lied to the public with has been dismantled and the sheep see you for what you are, which equals game over in politics.

Julie, Boston,

When Attorney-General Spitzer used hs authority to break up two prostitution rings. At the same time he was enjoying the favors of other prostitutes. He was not forced to resign, he could have stayed in office.

Spitzer is trying to cut a deal by resigning. Johns usually don't get arrested in the US. But those who transfer money for illegal purposes, who abuse their power, and who are plain and simply hypocrites do get into trouble.

He was caught by his own money transfer games - and should have been aware of the laws.

Emma, New York , USA

I think what he did was wrong but a 'personal' matter. It does not in anyway have an adverse effect on how well he performs in his role as Governor. However, given that he was busy trying to hang everyone involved in this activity not long ago, labels him a hypocrite. Which is why he had no choice but to resign.On the other hand, I think people have become too involved in the personal lives of public figures. I'm sure there are thousands if not millions out there doing the same thing, but are lucky not to get caught. Its a family matter and should be resolved behind closed doors. The one thing, I'm totally against, is his wife standing there with him. Literally announcing to the whole world, ' My marriage has failed, my husband cheated on me with a prostitute, even though I've chucked my pride down the toilet, I'm going to stand by my man in front of millions'. Had it been a consensual relationship with another woman (not a prostitute), I think the humiliation would have been far less.

Khadijat E, Birmingham,

President Clinton never paid, so did not have to resign?

David is spot on; this is only an issue for his family, and he should sue whoever purposely made this public. He behaved like an idiot, but only in the USA would he have to resign.

Simon Bee, Wokingham, UK

Well, at the begining I was very upset by Spitzer. But, he DID resigned (contrary to Clinton) and it shows that he has at least a kind of morality. He resigned because of principles. Yes, it was the question of oral sex, which is not a sex according to Clinton. Well done Spitzer........ Hilary supported her husband who did not want to resign because of the oral sex. Mr. Spitzer, you need to recover and be the next American president. You are much better than Clintons.

Michael, Orpington, United Kingdom

I think Spitzers great !!!

Mikey, NY, USA,

How terribly embarrassing for his wife.

He's a laughing stock mainly because he's such a hypocrite. Hypocrisy is very poorly looked upon, especially from such a highly-placed official.

Sarah, Montpellier, France

Come on!
So he used a prostitute... Who cares? Why is this an issue?
If it is illegal, why is that?
And for $4300, doesn't that buy a little privacy?
If investigators started looking into it to "protect" him from blackmail or identity fraud, then shouldn't they have backed off as soon as they saw that wasn't the case?
The man has a right to privacy.
And what is this charge of "structuring?" Why on earth should anyone other than the parties involved in a transaction know what it is for? Sure, the receiving party might have a responsibility to pay tax on the money received, but that shouldn't affect the payer.

David, London,

I don't know one New Yorker who is not pleased to see the back of this arrogant man. No one can say anything positive about him.

Nona, New York City, USA