Spitzer Lands on the Ballot, Probably

This article was written by Matthew Hampton.

With less than two hours to go to turn in the petition signatures necessary to secure a place on the ballot, former governor Eliot Spitzer turned in a whopping 27,000. 

"Against the odds and all predictions - and in light of some who tried to thwart the effort - I am pleased to announce that we have collected more than 27,000 signatures in four days," Spitzer wrote on Twitter Thursday night. "I want to thank those who assisted with this effort and the New Yorkers who signed these petitions. I pledge to stand with you against the special interests and on the crucial issues."
The former governor was scrambling for days to get the signatures — a truly impressive number, considering his candidacy was announced Sunday night. His petitioning operation was the focus of political media across the city. By clearing the bar in easy fashion, Spitzer puts to rest any idea that his campaign will have fire drill qualities.

Spitzer isn't totally home free yet. It takes 3,750 signatures to secure a place on the ballot, assuming the signatures are valid and from registered Democrats. They also have to stand up to possible legal challenges from Spitzer's primary opponent, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer. 

Stringer, according to the Daily Politics blog, turned in a staggering 100,000 signatures, more than even any mayoral candidate, prior to Thursday's midnight deadline.