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The largest factor in deciding Eliot Spitzer's potential resignation in light of the recent prostitution scandal is the issue of trust, both public and private. Mr. Spitzer was elected as Governor based on his record as a prosecutor of criminal activity and the public's trust in his ability to govern, in an honest, ethical and moral manner, the sixteen million residents of New York State. After a history which includes successful criminal prosecution of a large prostitution ring, his own alleged participation in this activity has belied the public trust in his personal standards and in his ability to govern. His expenditure of large sums of money on prostitutes, while his personal choice, also casts light on his judgment in managing a multibillion dollar state budget. While it is extremely sad when the private habits of a citizen have such a major impact on their career and public life, Eliot Spitzer will resign in response to public pressure and a change in the public trust.

As an issue of private trust, the impact of his actions on his wife and family, who must be experiencing major difficulties at this time, will be handled privately, yet have a public impact. Any public figure's private indiscretions will become instant public media fodder, and each individual will have a very personalized reaction to the events. There are many who believe that prostitution is not a terrible crime. What is troubling about Mr. Spitzer's situation is the large sums of money spent, the possible links of these monies to other criminal activities, and the fact that he allegedly engaged in activities which he formerly prosecuted others for. These are the specific factors that differentiate this from, for example, Bill Clinton's former intern sex scandal, and result in an immediate disintegration of the public trust.

There is mounting pressure in the news media calling for Eliot Spitzer's resignation, and simultaneous threats of impeachment if he does not resign. Mr. Spitzer will resign by the end of this week, before any impeachment proceedings can begin, and will have to deal with the legal, moral and personal consequences of these events.

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