Should Spitzer Resign? Let’s ask Sen. Larry Craig!

Allegations surfaced yesterday, potentially connecting New York Governor Elliot Spitzer to a prostitution scandal. Immediately we began to hear calls for his resignation.

Once again, we are faced with a decision that was highlighted by the Monica Lewinski scandal. Should politicians personal actions lead to political ramifications.

Originally, I would have said no. Personal actions are personal, and if, like President Clinton’s, doesn’t break laws, it should not be taken into account. With several years now of Mark Foley’s, Newt Gingrich and Larry Craig, however, it is becoming increasingly appear ant that not only is this occurring much too often, but also often does indeed break the law.

I don’t know if Governor Spitzer is guilty of involvement in a prostitution ring. I do, however, know that if he was, he should be held accountable for his actions. For me, it is not a matter of holding our elected officials to a higher level of moral integrity (after all, the Republicans have made it clear that moral integrity is not a GOP value). I think it is now holding our officials to the same scale that we hold ourselves and our peers to.