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Did Governor Use Campaign Funds for Trysts?

Feds Probe hotel, travel payments

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 14, 2008 6:33 AM CDT

(Newser) – Disgraced soon-to-be-ex-governor Eliot Spitzer's troubles could get even worse as prosecutors probe whether he used campaign funds for his meetings with prostitutes, the New York Times reports. Criminal charges linked to the payments could follow if federal investigators discover campaign money paid for the hotel rooms and transportation Spitzer used for his call-girl trysts.

Investigators are scrutinizing several Spitzer trips that mixed official business with alleged meetings with high-priced call girls, some as recently as last month. Spitzer has told aides and lawyers that no campaign money was used. Friends blasted the feds for "piling on" and said prosecutors have suggested they'd be less inclined to press a case if Spitzer was a private citizen—which he will become on Monday when he gives up his job.

New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer exits his Fifth Avenue residence with his wife Silda, Wednesday, March 12, 2008, in New York.
New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer exits his Fifth Avenue residence with his wife Silda, Wednesday, March 12, 2008, in New York.   (AP Photo/ Louis Lanzano)
New York State Gov. Eliot Spitzer makes a statement to reporters during a news conference Monday, March 10, 2008 in New York.
New York State Gov. Eliot Spitzer makes a statement to reporters during a news conference Monday, March 10, 2008 in New York.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Federal prosecutors are looking into whether New York Governor Eliot Spitzer used campaign funds for his meeting with prostitutes.
Federal prosecutors are looking into whether New York Governor Eliot Spitzer used campaign funds for his meeting with prostitutes.   (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York  Gov. Eliot Spitzer announces his resignation amidst a prostitution scandal, Wednesday, March 12, 2008.
New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer announces his resignation amidst a prostitution scandal, Wednesday, March 12, 2008.   (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)
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