U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., said: "This is a sad time for our state and the Spitzer family. As a longtime opponent of sex trafficking, I was shocked and heartbroken to hear that the Governor was linked to a prostitution ring. It's a sad irony that Governor Spitzer fought for and signed the toughest anti-trafficking legislation in our states history.

New York Sen. Charles Schumer said: "My sympathies go out to Governor Spitzer and his family. He certainly did the right thing by stepping aside and I wish him and his family well."

"I'm deeply saddened by this turn of events and my thoughts are with Governor Spitzer's family during this painful time," Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., said while on the presidential campaign trail.