This is a sampling of reaction to prostitution allegations against Democratic New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer:

"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. ... He has to step down. No one will stand with him." — Republican U.S. Rep. Peter King from Long Island.




"It is an excruciating personal tragedy for the governor, his family, and the rest of our society to whom he has meant so much." — Former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo, a Democrat.




"I feel very badly for the governor's wife, for his children. The important thing for the people of New York state is that people in office do the right thing, because there are so many challenges out there and it's important that we govern, move forward to get a proper budget in place." — State Senate Republican leader Joseph Bruno.




"For the good of his family, for the good of our state, for the good of the governorship, Eliot Spitzer must resign immediately. He is unfit to lead our state and unfit to hold public office." — Assembly Republican leader James Tedisco of Schenectady County.




"These are serious and disturbing accusations that are completely at odds with the man I know. They come as a complete shock. ... He will have to regain credibility not only with his family but with the public." — Democratic New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine.




"No matter what your political persuasion, this is a terrible day for the state and the people of New York." Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef, a Republican.




"The taxpayers of this state deserve an apology and deserve a leader is who is going to do just that lead not stroke one's own ego and steamroll political opponents. The Young Republicans in New York call on Spitzer to do the right thing and promptly resign from office." — New York Young Republican Club President Lynn Krogh.