ALBANY, N.Y. -- Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco said he will initiate impeachment proceedings in 48 hours if Governor Spitzer does not resign before then.
Tedisco said, "Now that hasn't been done in I don't know how many years, but I don't think we can take this distraction, you know. We are not going to be able to get down to work. Those articles of impeachment by the constitution have to start in the New York State Assembly."
Lt. Gov. David Paterson is currently in Albany. If Governor Spitzer does resign, Paterson would be sworn in as governor.
Although there is no word on Spitzer's plans, Tedisco said he got a call from Paterson.
Tedisco had been at odds with the Democratic Spitzer, but this morning Tedisco said Paterson asked if he would consider a fresh start.
Josh Robin was at the Capitol with reaction from Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith.
Assemblyman Republican Leader Jim Tedisco said he will start impeachment proceedings if Governor Spitzer doesn't resign in the next 48 hours.
For the first time since news broke over allegations that Governor Spitzer was involved in a prostitution ring, we're seeing our first images of Lieutenant Governor David Paterson -- the man many speculate will be taking over as Governor of New York.
Tedisco said Paterson called to ask if we would give him the benefit of the doubt, and go forward. Tedisco said he told Paterson we would.
Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is not saying whether he thinks the Governor should resign or not, but he is assuring New Yorkers that the business of government continues.
The scandal erupted Monday when a law enforcement official identified Spitzer as "Client 9" in an alleged prostitution ring. "Client 9" paid thousands of dollars to spend an evening with a call girl named Kristen in a Washington hotel last month.