Posted on 12/31/2005 10:32:11 AM PST by Behind Liberal Lines
ALBANY—Top New York Republicans have called for a formal investigation into allegations that Attorney General Eliot Spitzer threatened a man who wrote an editorial critical of Spitzer’s conduct.
According to the New York Post, both Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno (R-Rensselaer) and state Republican Chairman Stephen Minarik have urged that a formal investigation be launched into claims by John Whitehead, “one of the most respected figures on Wall St,” that Spitzer telephoned Whitehead and threatened him after Whitehead wrote an editorial about Spitzer in the Wall St. Journal.
a furious Spitzer tracked him down in Texas last spring after he authored an earlier piece in defense of former American International Group CEO Maurice "Hank" Greenberg, who was being investigated by Spitzer for corporate fraud. Citing notes he said he took during the telephone conversation, Whitehead quoted Spitzer as saying, "Mr. Whitehead, it's now a war between us and you've fired the first shot . . . I will be coming after you. You will pay the price."
In addition to Bruno and Minarik, the Post notes, Governor George Pataki has said he had "no reason not to believe" Whitehead was telling the truth.
Assemblyman Tom Kirwan (R-Newburgh) has called for Spitzer's impeachment “if Whitehead's charges are proven to be true.”
Spitzer has denied Whitehead’s claims. However, on Friday, the Post reported, Spitzer admitted to having a “a passionate conversation” with Whitehead.
Spitzer, considered the front-runner for New York's Governor in 2006, has come under criticism from some circles for what some view as "politically motivated" prosecutions of New York business leaders.
In November, the New York Daily News reported that Spitzer was using fines and settlements obtained from these prosecutions to hand out "millions of dollars to politically connected organizations that could boost his campaign for governor in 2006."
Spitzer denies that politics play a role in his office's activities.
Whitehead can't have been the first person that Spitzer had "a passionate conversation" with, so maybe this will encourage others to come forth. These sorts of stories have a way of snowballing.
I think Spitzer has been out of control for a long time. I think he's one step away from being a self-righteous facist dictator.
Spitzer is the Mafia Don of AG's - and if you challenge him.. you better have and army of lawyers and a couple of body guards.
Somebody needs to cut him down to size or he'll show up on a DNC election ticket. He's as ruthless as RFK was.
There's a very fine line between bleeding heart liberal and fascist.
Arrogant elites are the same world wide!!
Gee, our very own "Ronny Earle"
Spitzer has been out of control for years now and the business community is starting to push back.
"Governor George Pataki has said he had "no reason not to believe" Whitehead was telling the truth."
Love that fire and conviction there Georgie.
NYS ping
What?!?!?!?
An elected prosecutor grabbing headlines and using the legal system to harm opponents and increase their power? I have never heard of such a thing! (sarc.)
Ronnie Earle ping!
ping
He'll show up on the NYS DNC Gubenatorial (sp?) election ticket regardless of all else. And ruthlessness is way overrated: all it ever got RFK was a bullet to the brain. It's not a sole proprietor thing.
I wouldn't even call Elliot Spitzer a "liberal."
He truly does strike me, in way of his tactics and behavior, as little more than a Mobster in elected office. Of all of the Democrats in the country, he scares me the most.
Hyperbole aside, Hillary Clinton isn't nearly as scary at this guy.
Then he's perfect for the Dem Presidential ticket, either as a number one, or at least a number two.
looks like Spitzer may be on Der Spitz...
"who are they talking about here,the Attorney General of the State of New York or Lucky Luciano?"
Spitzer believes himself on the side of the angels, so his tactics are irrelevant.
It's really odd that this politician took it upon himself to respond. Usually these kind of guys, like this one and Joe Arpaio and so on, have LEO do their heavy lifting for them.
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