NEW YORK - Gov. Eliot Spitzer"s political career teetered on the brink of collapse Monday after the corruption-fighting politician once known as "Mr. Clean" was accused of paying for sex with a high-priced call girl.
The scandal drew immediate calls for the Democrat to step down. At a news conference before about 100 reporters, a glassy-eyed Spitzer, his wife at his side, apologized to his family and the people of New York.
But he gave no details of what he was sorry for, did not discuss his political future and ignored shouted questions about whether he would resign.
"I have disappointed and failed to live up to the standard I expected of myself," said the 48-year-old father of three teenage girls. "I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family."
The New York Times was first to break the story, reporting that Spitzer was caught on a federal wiretap arranging Feb. 13 to meet at a Washington hotel room with a prostitute from a call-girl business known as the Emperors Club VIP.
Law enforcement officials told NBC News that Spitzer was identified as Client 9 in the records. Spitzer was in Washington on Feb. 13 to meet with congressional officials.
Spitzer not charged Last week, federal prosecutors in Manhattan filed conspiracy charges against four people, accusing them of running the prostitution ring. Prosecutors said the defendants arranged connections between wealthy men and more than 50 prostitutes in New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Miami, London and Paris.
Spitzer has not been charged, and prosecutors did not comment on the case. The four defendants were charged with violating the federal Mann Act, a 1910 law that outlaws traveling across state lines for prostitution. Spitzer learned that he had been implicated when a federal official contacted his staff Friday, a person briefed on the case told The New York Times.
Spitzer called the issue "a private matter" in his comments Monday. He gave no details but said his conduct "violates my, or any, sense of right and wrong."
Some immediately called for Spitzer to resign.
"He has to step down. No one will stand with him," said Rep. Peter King, a Republican congressman from Long Island. "I never try to take advantage or gloat over a personal tragedy. However, this is different. This is a guy who is so self-righteous, and so unforgiving."