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.
He also has bigger goals and is more effective!
There is no way Suozzi beats Trump.
thanks!
NEW YORK—"In July of 2000, Spitzer defamed then-Congressman Bob Barr by erroneously alleging that Barr had fathered an illegitimate child.During a debate with WABC-NY's Sean Hannity and "Hillary Trap" author Laura Ingraham, New York State Attorney General Elliot Spitzer claimed that Georgia Congressman Bob Barr had once fathered a child out of wedlock. "Spitzer later admitted he had no evidence to back up the charge."
"Minutes after the interview, in which Spitzer tried to paint Bush vice presidential pick Dick Cheney as a right-wing extremist, the top New York lawman called Hannity's producer Eric Stanger to complain off-the-air that he was treated rudely."He said he's going to 'use his capacity as Attorney General' against you," Stanger told Hannity.
"I'd like to know what that threat means," responded the talk host. "It's not my fault that he embarrassed himself on this radio show."
"Is he going to arrest you?" Ingraham chimed in. "I think it's a misuse of office to take action against individuals who are not accused of any wrongdoing."
OK, but is Trump running? I mean, if Spitzer falls - the matchup is likely Weld vs Suozzi.
Yes
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.