New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer Central Subject and Correspondence Files
Statement on Language
Some content in this finding aid may contain offensive terminology. For more information on why this language is occasionally retained, see: New York State Archives Statement on Harmful Language in Descriptive Resources.
Overview of the Records
Repository
- New York State Archives
222 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12230
Summary
- Eliot Spitzer's gubernatorial platform promised change. In his brief tenure as governor, Spitzer sought to reform the operations of state government, stimulate the upstate economy, and curb the influence of special interests. Records consist primarily of incoming correspondence from constituents, public officials, and private organizations seeking assistance or expressing opinions on policy issues.
Title
- New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer central subject and correspondence files
Quantity
- 49 cubic feet
Inclusive Dates
Series Number
- 13682_08
Creator
Arrangement
Governor Eliot Spitzer's central subject and correspondence files are divided into three distinct sets: VIP correspondence, constituent correspondence, and correspondence filed by subject. VIP and constituent correspondence is arranged numerically by assigned correspondent number. Correspondence filed by subject appears at the end of the series, in no partucular order.
Administrative History
Eliot Laurence Spitzer was born on June 10, 1959 in Bronx, New York. He attended Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs followed by Harvard Law School. Upon graduation, he entered private practice and thereafter alternated stints in public service with work for several prestigious New York law firms. He clerked for federal district court judge Robert Sweet and served as an assistant district attorney in New York County, where he helped eradicate the Gambino organized crime family's control of trucking and the garment industry. After an unsuccessful run for the office of New York State Attorney General in 1994, Spitzer defeated incumbent Dennis Vacco to gain the office in 1998. While Attorney General, Spitzer sought to regulate industrial polluters, pharmaceutical companies, gun manufacturers, and above all, the financial industry.
After serving two terms as Attorney General, Spitzer defeated Republican opponent John Faso to gain the governorship in 2006. In his short tenure, Spitzer sought to reform the state budget process, the workers' compensation system, and the financing of health care and education. He also sought to reinvigorate the ailing upstate economy and championed campaign finance reform in an effort to curtail the influence of special interests and make state government more accessible to the public at large. Spitzer drew criticism for his support of the failed effort to legalize same-sex marriage in the state and for his ill-fated proposal to issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. Following disclosure of evidence that he patronized prostitutes while serving as governor and attorney general, Spitzer resigned the governorship effective March 17, 2008.
For further information concerning the life and political career of Eliot Spitzer see Paumgarten, Nick. "The Humbling of Eliot Spitzer: The Governor's Rocky Rookie Season."
Scope and Content Note
Governor Eliot Spitzer's subject and correspondence files consist predominantly of letters and attachments received from constituents, state and federal government officials, local governments, labor unions, public interest groups, and law firms. Occasionally, copies of responses from the executive chamber and state agency heads are included. Topics of correspondence range widely and include regulation of the financial and pharmaceutical industries; funding for health care workers; quality of care for the mentally ill; illegal immigration; aid to localities; development of energy resources; influence of special interests; requests for legal assistance; design of the World Trade Center 9/11 Memorial; criminal law; requests for executive clemency; and public opinion on a variety of pending legislation.
Other Finding Aids
The New York State Archives holds an electronic index to correspondents appearing in this series. Certain data in this index is restricted. Interested researchers must contact the State Archives for assistance.
Access Restrictions
Partially restricted to protect personal privacy.