While serving as a Cincinnati city councilman, Springer's name turned up on a personal check for a prostitute's services during a raid on a Fort Wright, Ky. brothel. Springer admitted he was at fault, and resigned his post. His candor is said to have led to his being re-elected to the council in 1975, and subsequent election to mayor in 1979. Springer went on to syndicated television fame as the host of "The Jerry Springer Show".