“I obviously am sending my best wishes and thoughts to the governor and to his family. … Let’s wait and see what comes out of the next days. Right now, I don’t have any comment. I think it’s appropriate to wish his family well and see how things develop.”
— Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., and presidential contender endorsed by Spitzer
“I never try to take advantage or gloat over a personal tragedy. However, this is different. This is a guy who is so self-righteous, and so unforgiving. … He has to step down. No one will stand with him.” — Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y.
“I feel very badly for the governor’s wife, for his children. The important thing for the people of New York state is that people in office do the right thing because there are so many challenges out there and it’s important that we govern, move forward to get a proper budget in place.”
— State Senate Republican leader Joseph Bruno, whom Spitzer aides were accused of attempting to embarrass
“These are serious and disturbing accusations that are completely at odds with the man I know. They come as a complete shock. … He will have to regain credibility not only with his family but with the public.”
— Democratic New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine
