New York Gov. Spitzer's resignation statement

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned on Wednesday after media reports that he was caught on a federal wiretap arranging to meet with a prostitute at a Washington hotel last month.

Following is a transcript of Spitzer's resignation statement:

"In the past few days I have begun to atone for my private failings with my wife Silda, my children and my entire family.

"The remorse I feel will always be with me. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for the love and compassion they have shown me.

"From those to whom much is given, much is expected. I have been given much, the love of my family, the faith and trust of the people of New York and the chance to lead this state.

"I am deeply sorry that I did not live up to what was expected of me. To every New Yorker and to all those who believed in what I tried to stand for, I sincerely apologize.

"I look at my time as governor with a sense of what might have been but I also know that, as a public servant, I and the remarkable people with whom I worked have accomplished a great deal.

"There is much more to be done and I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the people's work.

"Over the course of my public life I have insisted, I believe correctly, that people, regardless of their position or power, take responsibility for their conduct. I can and will ask no less of myself.

"For this reason I am resigning from the office of governor.

"At Lieutenant Governor (David) Paterson's request, the resignation will be effective Monday, March 17, a date that he believes will permit an orderly transition.

"I go forward with the belief, as others have said, that as human beings our greatest glory consists not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.

"As I leave public life I will first do what I need to do to help and heal myself and my family and I will try once again outside of politics to serve the common good and to move toward the ideals and solutions which I believe can build a future of hope and opportunity for us and for our children.

"I hope all of New York will join my prayers for my friend David Paterson as he embarks on his new mission and I thank the public once again for the privilege of service."

(Reporting by Emily Chasan and Christine Kearney; Editing by John O'Callaghan)