Breaking: Spitzer to resign, effective Monday (VIDEO ADDED)

Via AP:

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A top state official says New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer has decided to resign amid a prostitution scandal.

The official tells The Associated Press the resignation would be effective Monday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the announcement had not yet been made.

Allegations surfaced this week that Spitzer was linked to a federal investigation of a call-girl ring and spent thousands of dollars for a night with a prostitute named Kristen at a glitzy Washington hotel.

The NYT reported today that aides were saying they had been told he would resign today. It’s unclear whether or not they mean he’d say in his announcement today that he will step down effective Monday or if he will make the announcement on Monday:

Gov. Eliot Spitzer, reeling from revelations that he had been a client of a prostitution ring, will resign today, some of his staff members said they have been told, though the precise timing remains unclear.

Lt. Gov. David A. Paterson would then be sworn in to replace him in Albany. But because even Mr. Spitzer’s most senior aides have been so surprised by revelations of their boss’s behavior, they said that they cannot be certain about a resignation until Mr. Spitzer makes it official.

I suspect he’ll make the announcement today (in spite of his wife’s insistance that he stay on). No point in delaying the inevitable.

Update 1: The NY Post says that Spitzer is already notifying state officials of his decision to step down:

Gov. Eliot Spitzer has decided to resign and is notifying top state officials of his decision, The Post has learned.

Word began circulating of his decision in state political circles earlier this morning. The decision came after what one source called “an agonizing night,” as the governor’s wife, Silda Wall Spitzer, and the governor’s lawyers went over a possible plea deal offered by federal prosecutors, sources told The Post.

Lt. Gov. David Paterson, who has remained at his suburban Albany home for the past three days, was expected to be notified of Spitzer’s decision this morning.

Sources said Paterson has told friends that if he does become governor, he would like Spitzer to hold off his resignation until Monday to give him enough time to prepare for a transition.

Will be interesting to hear the details of that plea deal, assuming there is one.

Update 2: Spitz made it official in a press conference this morning. He will step down effective Monday.

Update 3: Here’s video of Spitz’s announcement: