Ex-New York governor Eliot Spitzer offers life advice in new book

New York • Former Gov. Eliot Spitzer is offering life advice in a new book released as he campaigns for city comptroller, writing that "self-importance" can lead to a "dangerous arrogance" that often ends badly.

The e-book, "Protecting Capitalism Case by Case," was published this week and is selling online for $9.99. A 198-page paperback version is also available.

Spitzer, who resigned as governor in 2008 amid a prostitution scandal, surprised many by entering the race for New York City comptroller on July 7. His new book focuses on how he went after law-breaking Wall Street titans as a state attorney general dubbed the "Sheriff of Wall Street."

"I'm beginning to think my political career has had an unusual arch to it, but every day has been fascinating," Spitzer told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Saturday.

One chapter in the book offers his 10 "Rules of Life," starting with No. 1: "Loyalty and fiduciary duty matter."

But it doesn't delve into the scandal that drove him from office and turned him into a late-night punch line.

"The only question now is moving forward," Spitzer said.

This week, he's been appearing on various national television shows as a serious candidate — including a morning talk-show interview during which he broke down when asked whether the excruciating spotlight on his private life had changed him.

He had just days to collect more than 3,700 signatures to be on the Democratic primary ballot with his main opponent, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, but Spitzer delivered 27,000 signatures late Thursday before the midnight deadline.

His wife, Silda, helped collect the signatures. But when asked Saturday whether she would appear with him as he campaigns, the candidate hesitated, saying, "I'm ... I'm sure ... I'm sure so."

Does he have a chance at winning? "I certainly feel that I've got a decent shot at it," he said.

Spitzer said he began writing the book six or seven months ago to present the issues he would have worked on as governor but had to abandon when he resigned after admitting he was a regular client of an escort agency.

He boils down his philosophy on Wall Street transgressions to the view that "companies, when competing, will not properly observe the rules of ethics as we want them to all the time; we need vigorous enforcement."

Spitzer got no advance for the book, he said, and any proceeds from sales will go to charity.