Book Review: The Rise of Eliot Spitzer

Masters does not swallow whole the theory that Spitzer's sea of subpoenas has fixed all of the problems that he sought to remedy. Her tone is evenhanded, and she speaks with plenty of people who are able to discuss the limits of "Spitzerism."

There is little doubt that Spitzer has cultivated his image as a big man who fights for the little guy, using his powers as attorney general to their fullest. But whether his slash-and-burn approach to law enforcement would work in the governor's mansion, where politics are often about compromise and deal making, has yet to be seen.

One could possibly read Masters' book and walk away worried that Spitzer has some lessons in diplomacy to learn before he can effectively operate on a broader political stage. He has had little sympathy for federal regulators who must work within such constraints, and he may soon learn that it's harder to be a defender of the public good when your bright ideas and good intentions are stymied by political gridlock.