Spitzer 'cannot hold on to his job'

New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer's hold on office seemed less certain Tuesday, as a legislative staffer said gubernatorial aides were in transition talks with the lieutenant governor and Democratic sources said Spitzer had no choice but to step down.
"It is a 'when' question on the resignation. Not an 'if.' He knows that," said a Democratic source with firsthand knowledge of the issue.
"It is hard to come to terms with, and there are legal issues that are related to any big political decisions. But Eliot knows he cannot hold on to his job here. He might want to, but he is absolutely aware of his predicament."
A Democratic campaign veteran with ties to the Spitzer team added, "A resignation was part of the discussions early yesterday but was tabled. The political people were clear about the options. There are none -- not for him."
If Spitzer resigns, Lt. Gov. David Paterson, 53, would become the state's first black governor and the fourth in U.S. history. The former Senate minority leader is legally blind and is the son of Basil Paterson, a longtime Democratic operative in New York City.
No further information was immediately available about the reported meetings between Spitzer and Paterson staffers.
Political opponents quickly called for Spitzer's resignation after federal investigators linked the Democratic governor to a high-rolling prostitution ring.