New York Gov. Elliot Spitzer announces his resignation as his wife Silda looks on in his offices in New York City, 12 Mar 2008

 New York Governor Eliot Spitzer has resigned, days after he was alleged to be a customer of a high-priced prostitution ring.

Spitzer, a Democrat, made the announcement with his wife at his side at his New York City office Wednesday. He said he was deeply sorry he did not live up to what was expected of him, and said he cannot allow his private failings to disrupt the people's work.

The resignation is effective Monday. He is being replaced by Lieutenant Governor David Paterson, who becomes the state's first black governor and the first legally blind governor in the United States.

The New York Times first reported Monday that federal investigators caught Spitzer on a wiretap arranging to meet with a prostitute. The alleged tryst took place in February in a hotel in Washington, D.C.

Spitzer has not been charged with a crime.

Spitzer was elected governor in 2006. He previously served as New York state attorney general, where he earned the nickname "Mr. Clean" for his efforts to wipe out corruption in New York's financial sector. He also prosecuted members of prostitution rings.