MONDELLO QUESTIONS SPITZER’S SECRECY IN ETHICS SCANDAL

ALBANY, NY (08/01/2007)(readMedia)-- New York Republican State Committee Chairman Joseph N. Mondello today questioned Governor Spitzer’s commitment to resolving lingering questions surrounding the scandal engulfing his senior advisers that has been dubbed “Spitzergate.” He specifically referenced Governor Spitzer’s announcement that he would only testify in front of the State Ethics Commission, a body full of his political supporters.

“Governor Spitzer’s decision to only provide secret, closed door testimony in front of a commission of his appointees and political supporters makes a mockery of his promises to the people of this state to maintain the highest ethical standards,” said Chairman Mondello. “In order to satisfy the public’s right to know, the Governor and his people must testify openly and honestly in front of an independent, impartial body.”

Governor Spitzer appointed Ethics Commission Chairman John Feerick, received over $100,000 in political contributions from the former law firm of Executive Director Herbert Teitelbaum, and received political donations during his time as Attorney General from Commission members Robert Giuffra and Carl Loewenson.

Chairman Mondello also questioned Governor Spitzer’s decision to avoid the Albany press corps by traveling to other parts of the state as the scandal heated up.

“Governor Spitzer has stonewalled Attorney General Cuomo and the public. He now appears to be trying to shut out the reporters in Albany in an attempt to deflect attention from the wrong-doing perpetrated under his watch—and possibly at his direction,” said Chairman Mondello. “Instead of providing the answers the public needs, he is running around the state trying to spin his way out of trouble. What is he hiding?”

Recent polls show that a majority of New Yorkers have lost faith in Governor Spitzer’s administration and believe that he knew about the scheme. Polls indicate that 80% of the public supports further investigation.

“As Attorney General, Eliot Spitzer would never have allowed the targets of his investigation to testify in secret in front of a board of supporters and stockholders. Now that he is the target of an investigation, he expects that he should be allowed to do essentially the same thing,” said Chairman Mondello.

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