Spitzer to run against madam
Updated 9:32 p.m. ET 7/8/2013
(CNN) – Gracie Mansion isn't the only contested hotspot for political redemption in New York City this year.
The day after former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer announced his campaign for city comptroller, he was issued a direct challenge for the post by a woman who says she was the madam who supplied him with escorts.
Self-described "ex-madam" Kristin Davis used Spitzer's campaign to once again announce her already-declared candidacy for comptroller on Monday.
"Eliot Spitzer broke state and federal laws in his use of prostitutes and paid no penalty; I broke the law and paid my debt to society," Davis, who served four months in prison, said in a statement. "There cannot be two standards of justice, one for the average citizen and another for the political and social elite."
Spitzer, a Democrat, resigned as governor in 2008 amidst a scandal surrounding his use of prostitutes.
Spitzer: 'You need skin as thick as a rhinoceros'
Davis, a former hedge fund senior vice president, first filed with the city campaign finance board in September of 2012 to run for city-wide office. The exact post she was seeking was not specified at the time. She filed to run specifically for comptroller in June, according to the board. Her campaign now needs at least 3,750 signatures to qualify for the ballot.
This is not Davis' first go at public office, nor her first time using the title of "Elliot Spitzer's madam" in her campaign. She ran as a protest candidate for New York governor in 2010.
Self-avowed madam who claims Spitzer ties is running for NY governor
Now running as a Libertarian with a plan to legalize marijuana in New York City, Davis first announced her campaign in April. She did so in a release challenging the other major candidate for city comptroller, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer.
"I have more financial management experience than either Eliot Spitzer or Scott Stringer," Davis said in her statement Monday. "They are both career politicians looking to use the office of Comptroller as a stepping stone to higher office."
Stringer had originally been considered a candidate for mayor until he instead announced a candidacy for comptroller. He left a crowded field of mayoral contenders that has become increasingly complicated, particularly by the official candidacy of former Congressman Anthony Weiner.
Weiner quickly found himself at the head of the race for the Democratic primary, polls show. This despite having resigned from office in 2011 after he was caught sending lewd photos of himself on Twitter.
Polls: Weiner gaining ground in NYC mayoral battle
Spitzer and Weiner make two current New York City candidates whose sexual improprieties led to falls from power. And they are not alone.
This has become the season of political resurrection, a season best exemplified by Republican Rep. Mark Sanford's successful campaign for the U.S House of Representatives.
When politics gives you a second chance
In 2010 and 2011, Spitzer co-hosted a political talk show on CNN.
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You just can't make this stuff up!!! NYC is a biggest politcal cesspool in the country next to Chicago. It is what you end up with when Democrats are running the show.
Sure, why not?
I hope the Madam wins!
hey at least the madam ran a succesfull business.
Personally I think they're in bed together.
"I have more financial management experience than either Eliot Spitzer or Scott Stringer," Davis said in her statement Monday. "They are both career politicians looking to use the office of Comptroller as a stepping stone to higher office."
This is actually an excellent point.
NYC, you get what you deserve. You must be SO proud!!!!
Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana is still in office. The people in his state (which are not the brightest people) continue to vote for him. He also continue to have his town hall meetings by phone. That way he can screen the calls before they're put through.
She would certainly get my vote.
Wasn't it Mitt Romney who used to say that experience running a business is the most important qualification for public office?
New Yorkers take politics to a new low.
Too funny.
She's got my vote.
LOL – Spitzer, Weiner, Rangel, and even Spitzer's madam. NYC is apparently trying to top Chicago as the country's most politically corrupt city. At least NYC is providing comic relief in doing so, though. Chicago's corruption is just sad.
Madam Kristin Davis I'm all for women running for office, but you're not one of them.
July 8, 2013 03:32 pm at 3:32 pm |
Fair is Fair
NYC, you get what you deserve. You must be SO proud!!!!
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Your observation means nothing until one of them actually wins an election. Anyone can collect enough signatures.
Only in NY, gotta love it! Love those Jersey Tomatoes! Go Chris Christie 4 Prez!
why didn't this guy serve any jail time? why do they always get off (excuse the pun) while others don't? this guy should have served some time. he needs to find another line of work.
he's proven he has bad judgement, that he has a total disregard for the law, that he lied and cheated on his wife, and that he is morally bankrupt. are these the qualifications democrats look for in candidates? yikes!
Madam Davis, if you win, please look-up my cousin. He can use your professional help. He's a little shy.
-anonymous
You just can't make this stuff up!!! NYC is a biggest politcal cesspool in the country next to Chicago. It is what you end up with when Democrats are running the show.
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The mayors of NYC have been either Republicans or Independents since 1993.
The "Madam" has my vote!
I think I'd vote for the ex-madam. She seems more honest and less of an ego. Think of the story lines if she was running for mayor against Anthony "That's Not My Package" Weiner.
You just can't make this stuff up!!! Texas is a biggest politcal cesspool in the country next to Arizona. It is what you end up with when Republicans are running the show.
What is sometimes so wonderful about politics is that often you couldn't make this stuff up! This is right up there with Boehner's new plan to try to re-pass the Ryan budget and try again to privatize Medicare.
Wacky Monday news!
@ Paul, who wrote: "Wasn't it Mitt Romney who used to say that experience running a business is the most important qualification for public office?"
Yup! and like Romney, Davis too probably has "binders full of women" to access in case any additional positions need to be filled.
The Madam gets my vote on honesty alone.
I guess she does have more financial experience. Spitzer never complained about being short changed!!