Former Gov. Spitzer, Wife Announce Split
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Former Gov. Eliot Spitzer and his wife announced Tuesday that they have decided to split up.
CBS 2 reported Spitzer spokeswoman Lisa Linden released a statement Tuesday night on behalf of Spitzer and his wife, Silda Wall Spitzer.
"We regret that our marital relationship has come to an end and we have agreed not to make any other public statement on this subject," the statement said.
Eliot and Silda Spitzer have been married since 1987, and have three grown daughters.
As CBS 2's Dave Carlin reported Tuesday night, the announcement did not surprise political observers, or some members of the public who watched the marriage endure Spitzer's resignation from office in 2008 following the call-girl scandal.
"As I leave public life, I will first do what I need to do to help and heal myself and my family," Spitzer said as he resigned on March 12, 2008.
Spitzer's wife famously stood by his side in 2008 when Spitzer resigned as governor amid a prostitution scandal, involving confessed sex worker Ashley Dupré.
Spitzer was revealed to be "client-9" in the Emperor VIP Club call girl ring.
Neighbors reacted Tuesday night outside an Upper East Side building the family owns.
"I kind of expected it, frankly, her leaving him," a man said.
"It's not my concern," a woman added.
Silda Wall Spitzer, a former corporate lawyer, went to work in the business world. Over time they became estranged, living apart, but not officially split.
Spitzer attempted a political comeback running for city comptroller but lost in the Democratic primary.
The pair met when Smith joined Spitzer's failed campaign for comptroller earlier this year.
Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio responded to the news of Spitzer's relationship with Smith on Monday, saying it isn't a distraction to his transition to City Hall.
"I respect Lis as a professional but I also respect her right to privacy," said de Blasio. "I think I'm getting my message out just fine."
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