Now that Scott Lee Cohen, the Democratic nominee for the state’s second highest executive office, has dropped out of the race, voters may get a second chance to elect its first Black lieutenant governor. Last week’s primary election included two B
Now that Scott Lee Cohen, the Democratic nominee for the state%uFFFDs second highest executive office, has dropped out of the race, voters may get a second chance to elect its first Black lieutenant governor.
Last week’s primary election included two Black candidates who both said they are still interested in the nomination.
"I commend Scott Lee Cohen on making the difficult decision to resign his nomination for lieutenant governor," said state Rep. Arthur Turner, D-9th Dist. "Governor Pat Quinn heads an outstanding slate of accomplished legislators on the Democratic ticket that far surpass the Republican candidates in every important regard. (And) it continues to be my desire to join this exceptional group of individuals as the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor."
"State Sen. Rickey Hendon, D- 5th Dist., who also sought the Democratic nomination, is eager to start campaigning again.
"If I am selected by party leaders I would accept the challenge. I won nearly every Black ward in Chicago, so its nice to know I was the choice of the Black community, "he told the Defender. Turner, who finished second and has the backing of Madigan, is not an automatic choice though.
"Most of the Democratic nominees are from Cook County and the committee may want to select a candidate from downstate to diversity the ticket, "added Hendon.
Under Illinois law, Cohen’s replacement must be chosen by the 38-member Democratic State Central Committee, which is chaired by Madigan. The committee is scheduled to meet March 17 to pick a replacement. Cohen, a millionaire entrepreneur, said he met with Madigan Friday at his downtown law firm where he urged him to step aside, which he did Sunday. Unlike the other three lieutenant governor candidates Cohen spent $2 million of his own money to finance his campaign despite allegations that he owes $54,000 in back child support.
Democratic leaders including Quinn urged Cohen to drop out after revelations surfaced last week that he had once been charged with domestic battery against his ex-wife and that his former girlfriend had plead guilty to prostitution.
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