NEW YORK, NY November 30, 2006 —Governor-Elect Eliot Spitzer has thrown down the gauntlet to Albany, with the introduction of sweeping ethics reforms, many of them imposed on himself and his lieutenant governor. WNYC’s Elaine Rivera reports:

Spitzer says he wants to restore transparency to state government and allow for greater accountability. That’s not exactly what Albany is used to. Through the power of executive orders, he will prohibit executive branch officials from receiving speaking fees or appearing in state-paid commercials. Contributions to the State House will be limited to $10,000 from the current $50,000.

Spitzer says he will also appoint an inspector general who can pursue charges of corruption. Political watchdogs say Spitzer’s actions puts pressure on the legislators to follow in his footsteps. For WNYC, I'm Elaine Rivera.