Speaker Christine Quinn
Ms. Quinn said she was saddened by “the whole situation” and said Mr. Spitzer did the right thing by resigning.

“I feel terrible for Mrs. Spitzer. I feel terrible for his girls, I really would implore the press to leave his children alone, let them walk on the street alone without being followed. They’re young girls going through a tragedy and they don’t need any of us watching them as they walk to and from school and to and from their home,” she said, speaking to reporters at City Hall today.

“I hope that young people out there who are watching this, who are thinking about getting into government or are thinking about getting into politics recognize that this does not speak to all of us in government,” she said. “And that it does not speak to the potential of government or the potential of public life to be a tremendous force of good. But obviously all of us who are elected and in public life are going to have to work harder to make sure we send that message to New Yorkers and I think New Yorkers are eager to believe in their government.”

The Reverend Al Sharpton
Rev. Sharpton, who appeared on stage with Governor Spitzer and Lieutenant Governor David Paterson in January at the National Action Network’s Martin Luther King Jr. rally, said in a statement that he had spoken twice today with Mr. Paterson “to recommit to our continued prayer for him and his family, as well as for the Spitzer family.”

At the rally, Rev. Sharpton had pointedly suggested that Mr. Spitzer appoint a black official to Senator Clinton’s seat, in the event she became president. Rev. Sharpton pulled Mr. Paterson up from his chair to indicate he had someone in mind for to take her place.

“David and I have worked together for a long time and since we are months apart, he, Congressman Greg Meeks, and I, used to sit together monthly, planning where we wanted to go in life. We always thought David would be our generation’s Dave Dinkins. We never imagined he would be Governor, but we are sure he can more than rise to the occasion,” he said.

“I hasten to say, as I said to David, that he is now the Governor for all New Yorkers, not just Black New Yorkers, and he has proven his ability to serve all. His first challenge will be to heal a State that is in pain and shame, and to continue to govern in a way fair to all. We must all pledge to work with him in those efforts.”

Rep. Jerrold Nadler
“In the more than twenty years that I have been privileged to know David Paterson as a friend and colleague, I have seen his intellect, his command of government and his commitment to public service at work for the people of New York. In this difficult moment, New Yorkers can rest assured that David is the right leader to bring us forward. We in government are united behind our next Governor, David Paterson. My thoughts and prayers are also with the Spitzer family during this time.”

Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand
Ms. Gillibrand, a Democrat, said in a statement that the governor made the right decision for New York. “I have every confidence in Governor Paterson and look forward to working with him on the important challenges we face. I will work to assist him in his transition in any way I can.”

Kathryn Wylde, CEO of the Partnership for New York City
Ms. Wylde said in a statement that Mr. Paterson, whom she referred to as governor, has the full confidence of the city’s business leadership.

“He worked closely with the Partnership on tax and economic issues during his tenure as Minority Leader of the Senate and we have found him to be open to business concerns. He enjoys good will among people from all sectors and of all political stripes. As an organization dedicated to New York’s economic vitality, the Partnership looks forward to helping the next Governor deal with the serious economic and budget challenges that will confront him as he takes office.”

Rep. Gregory Meeks
“Like New Yorkers throughout the state, I am shocked and profoundly saddened by the scandal of his own making that has engulfed Governor Eliot Spitzer. As more and more details emerged it became clear that he had irreparably and irredeemably undermined his once promising reform administration.”

Mr. Meeks praised Mr. Paterson and said that he has demonstrated a profound grasp of the issues confronting the state.

“He is well-respected by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle in both houses of the State Legislature as he is by elected officials and policymakers here in the nation’s capital and throughout the United States. He has displayed equal compassion for Downstate and Upstate issues. He is well-read and well-rounded. He is a proven coalition- and consensus-builder,” he said. “He will bring the right touch, not to mention a disarming sense of levity and collegiality to the inevitably difficult negotiations that lie ahead on everything from the annual budget, regional economic development, public transportation, education to ethics reform.

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz
“In what can only be called a personal failure and tragedy, Governor Spitzer leaves office with great promise unfulfilled.”

“As we move forward, I join all Brooklynites and New Yorkers in supporting our soon-to-be-Governor David Paterson. David and I served together in the Senate, and I have no doubt this Harlemite born in Brooklyn will prove to be a very effective Governor—by bringing people together, working with both Democrats and Republicans, and restoring people’s faith and trust in Albany.”

Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum
Ms. Gotbaum said in a statement that she has confidence in Mr. Paterson and said his record speaks volumes to his ability to lead and bring about change.

“I feel sorry for what the Spitzer family is going through. My heart goes out to all of them,” she said.

City Council Member John Liu
Mr. Liu, who represents parts of Queens, said in a statement that the last few days “have been witness to turmoil like never imagined, so hopefully this resignation will commence a return to normalcy in government.”

“With looming deadlines for the State budget and for the congestion pricing plan, we all need to get focused on matters of real importance. Let’s get back to the people’s business,” he said.