Seattle P-I Blogger Laments Disgrace of Spitzer, 'Hero to Consumer Crusaders'

Saying that he's "breaking our hearts," Seattle Post-Intelligencer "Big Blog" breaking news editor Candace Heckman is chagrined about the probable demise of Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D-N.Y.). Yet while Heckman praised Spitzer as an intrepid friend of Everyman, the populist defender of the masses against powerful Big Business.

Not once did Heckman note Spitzer's party affiliation in her March 11 post (emphasis mine)

Say it ain't so, Eliot! Governor, you're breaking our hearts.

He was once known as the Sheriff of Wall Street, an investigator unafraid of attacking even the most powerful of corrupt institutions and people. He joined Microsoft in taking on spammers, and started criticizing mortgage-lending practices long before the market's recent problems. I mean, if there was a guy to stand behind, it was he.

New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer, a hero to consumer crusaders across the nation, is today the laughing stock for standup comics and barroom hecklers from Flatbush Avenue to Glenoaks Boulevard.

Spitzer is now known as "Client 9," as he is one of several implicated in a prostitution ring that linked high-end call girls to wealthy johns.

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And now, the formerly feared New York Attorney General is being asked to step down as governor by three of the largest populist New York newspapers, the New York Post, New York Daily News and Newsday (of Long Island). The GOP is also seeking the governor's impeachment.

The press has been all over every aspect of this story. There's even a wire story with the headline, "Clinton declines comment on Spitzer." Even fairweather news readers of short-term memory might think that was satirically referencing Bill. But, no, they mean Hillary.

Photo of Heckman via the Seattle P-I Web site.