2006 campaign for governor Eliot Spitzer

spitzer celebrating on election night

on december 8, 2004, spitzer announced intention seek democratic nomination governor of new york. while long rumored, spitzer s announcement unusually early—nearly 2 years before election. result of spitzer s relative speed in bringing state democrats side, gained respect of democratic leaders nationwide. new mexico governor bill richardson dubbed spitzer future of democratic party @ fund raiser held in june 2005 spitzer s gubernatorial campaign.

in january 2006, spitzer selected new york state senate minority leader david paterson choice lieutenant governor , running mate. after announcing candidacy, spitzer endorsed numerous new yorkers, including state comptroller alan hevesi , 2 former new york city mayors, david dinkins , ed koch. on may 30, 2006, spitzer , paterson won endorsement of new york state democratic party. june 2006 quinnipiac university polling institute poll showed him leading nassau county executive thomas suozzi 76–13 percent. on july 25, 2006, faced suozzi in gubernatorial debate held @ pace university in manhattan, discussing issues such public authorities , medicaid. when asked marijuana, spitzer stated disagrees medicinal use of drug, claiming other medicines more effective. in democratic primary held on september 12, 2006, spitzer handily defeated suozzi, securing party s nomination 81 percent of vote.

on october 5, spitzer addressed empire state pride agenda , declared work governor legalize gay marriage in new york.

spitzer elected governor on november 7, 2006, when defeated republican john faso , libertarian john clifton, among others, 69 percent of vote. won largest margin of victory ever in new york gubernatorial race.