Sixty-eight percent (68%) of New York State voters believe that Governor Elliot Spitzer should resign in the wake of news reports of relationship with prostitutes. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that just 20% disagree and 12% are not sure.

Seventy-nine percent (79%) of Republicans believe Spitzer should resign along with 65% of Democrats and 61% of unaffiliated voters.

The stunning news surrounding New York Governor Elliot Spitzer has diverted attention from the Presidential campaign like no other news story in 2008. One reason for this is Spitzer’s own reputation may have set him up for a harder fall . See Spitzer’s statement to the press in which he apologized for a private matter.

There is no gender gap on the issue—68% of women believe the Governor should resign along with an identical number of men.

If Spitzer does not resign, 57% believe he should be impeached and removed from office. That figure includes 73% of Republicans, 51% of Democrats, and 51% of unaffiliated voters.

Just 22% of voters believe Spitzer is doing a good or excellent job as Governor. Fifty-seven percent (57%) say he is doing a poor job.

Just 8% of voters believe that most married men hire prostitutes. Thirty-nine percent (39%) believe that prostitution should be legalized while 48% disagree.

News of the Governor’s troubles have grabbed the attention of voters in a way that few issues can do. Sixty-three percent (63%) say they are following the story Very Closely. Another 29% say they are following it Somewhat Closely.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members only.