Two days after federal agents discovered Eliot Spitzer was linked to a high-priced prostitution ring, the first-term governor announced his resignation at a news conference Wednesday.

Accompanied by his wife, Silda Wall Spitzer, the former “Mr. Clean” apologized to his family and to the people who had believed in him, during a three-minute speech.

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

Spitzer, who is the father of three teenage daughters, had spent the past 36 hours before the announcement at home with his family.

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

He also mentioned that he would always feel remorse for his deeds.

The former governor was linked to the prostitution ring after being caught on a federal wiretap while arranging a meeting between himself and a prostitute in the call-girl business at a Washington Hotel. Shortly after the discovery, federal agents found out Spitzer may have spent a total sum of $80,000 on trysts with high-priced call-girls.

Following Spitzer’s resignation, David Paterson, a Democrat from Harlem will fill out the remaining three years of Spitzer’s term.

First elected to the State senate in 1985, Paterson, 53, will now become New York’s first African American governor.

Mr. Paterson, who was a friend of Spitzer and his family, declared he was saddened by the last events, but that he would have to move forward.

"It is now time for Albany to get back to work as the people of this state expect from us," he said in a statement, according to The Washington Times.

Paterson is known to have a calm and collegial style, unlike Spitzer’s aggressive, confrontational attitude.

As Paterson cultivated relationships with many Republicans during his 20 years in Senate, political analysts predict communication between parties will be improved.

State Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno, who did not have a good relationship with Spitzer, said he was relieved that Spitzer’s place will be taken by Paterson, with whom he was in good terms.

"There's mutual respect," Bruno said of Paterson, according to Los Angeles Times. "He's an experienced individual, fairly liberal but the kind of person you can sit with and talk things through."