Ex-New York Guv Spitzer's return to public stage stirs talk of political comeback

New York, Apr.13 (ANI): Disgraced former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer's return to the public stage, with articles on Wall Street's role in the economic crisis and interviews on TV and radio, has led some observers to suggest conditions now are better than ever for him to return to the limelight -- if he wants to.

"I don't think he's interested in a political comeback at this point. I think he's now at a point where he can move on with his career It's time to speak out. ... He feels a need to make a public contribution. This is a perfect opportunity for him to enter the public debate," Fox News quoted Mark Weingarten, a Democratic Party activist and friend of Spitzer, as saying.

As New York's top attorney for eight years, Spitzer sent chills up the spine of people on Wall Street with investigations of white-collar crime, including a fraud case against insurance giant AIG, which led to the resignation of CEO Maurice "Hank" Greenberg and a 1.6 billion dollar settlement.

Spitzer was elected governor by a wide margin in 2006, but he resigned in disgrace in March 2008 when it was revealed he was "Client 9" of a Washington, D.C., prostitution ring.

Recently he has returned with articles on the Wall Street's role in the economic crisis and interviews on TV and radio.

But Douglas A. Muzzio, a political scientist at Baruch College and an expert on New York politics, said it would be "real difficult" for Spitzer to mount a political comeback.

"It's not only his problems as Client 9 but his problem as the ...steamroller," he said, referring to Spitzer's vow to roll over opponents of his agenda as governor.

Muzzio said that although Spitzer may never be able to win elected office again, he could be appointed to a study commission or advisory council.

Since December, Spitzer has written a column for Slate, offering a critique of the financial crisis, and granted his first interviews since falling from grace last year. (ANI)