New York (CNN) -- Seeking redemption after a prostitution scandal waylaid his political career, former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer launched a petition campaign Monday in a bid to become the comptroller of New York City. If he succeeds in getting on the ballot for the September primary, Spitzer will join former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner -- who is seeking the city's Democratic mayoral nomination -- as disgraced New York politicians trying to revive their careers in the same election. "Politics is a contact sport," Spitzer said Monday morning on radio's "The Bill Press Show." "I made significant errors. I stood up, accepted responsibility, resigned. It's now been five years, I hope the public will extend its forgiveness to me."
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NEW: Eliot Spitzer and Anthony Weiner could wage their comebacks in the same election
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Spitzer says he's looking for forgiveness and a second chance
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He's seeking 3,750 signatures needed by Thursday to get on primary ballot
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Spitzer resigned in 2008 in the wake of a prostitution scandal
Two surveys of voters released in late June indicate @placeholder is basically tied in the battle for the Democratic mayoral nomination.