Crusading politicians

Yes, even Democratic "crusading reformers" can get caught up in "scandal. Even a politician like Spitzer who seemed beyond reproach. But the difference here is that Spitzer, who, yes, has made a career out of "outing " crooked pols and dishonest brokerage houses, had not made a career out of "outing" politicians who have hired prostitutes.

NEW YORK - Gov. Eliot Spitzer, the crusading politician who built his career on rooting out corruption, has told senior advisers he was involved in a prostitution ring, The New York Times reported Monday. In a public statement, Spitzer apologized to his family and the public but did not elaborate on the reported links to a prostitution ring.

The Times reported that a person with knowledge of the governor's role believes the governor is identified as a client in court papers. Four people allegedly connected to a high-end prostitution ring called Emperors Club VIP were arrested last week.

It's embarrassing for him, possibly humiliating for his wife. But this isn't hypocritical behavior, as the AP seems to suggest. This isn't an homophobic "defender of marriage" who trolls men's bathrooms, or a defender of "exploited children" who, in fact, exploits children.

The AP story, furthermore, seems to take great delight in referring to Spitzer's "ties" to "a prostitution ring." We'll learn more, no doubt, but they seem to imply that he's the equivalent of a pimp.

I do believe he is the biggest name to come out of this story, yet.