* I got this press release via e-mail yesterday and filed it under “Maybe I’ll get back to this later”…
Scott Lee Cohen, local businessman and entrepreneur, opened a campaign account this week with a hefty deposit exceeding over $230,000. Scott is running for Lieutenant Governor in the 2010 election and will take over President Obama’s former field office in downtown Chicago. Scott is hoping that volunteers who are already familiar with the location will continue their commitment to service and volunteer on his behalf.
Scott has always been dedicated to serving his community. After suggestions from many friends, community residents, and members of his citizen group, Rod Must Resign, Scott decided to run for office. Scott will draw on his business and real estate experience to provide solutions to the troubled housing market and create economic opportunity in the state. “The people of Illinois need an honest leader who can run our state government on sound business principles. It’s time to bring the government back to the people,” Scott said.
But Mark Brown got a call from the candidate and wrote about him today…
Chicago pawnbroker Scott Lee Cohen has launched a campaign to become Illinois’ next lieutenant governor.
His chances are so slim that I told him he’d be better off donating his money to charity.
Even his own campaign consultant says he tried to talk him out of making the race, but the best he could do was persuade him not to run for governor
I was glad I didn’t do anything about the release, and then came this nugget…
Part of the reason Cohen said he sought me out to write about his candidacy is that he wanted to make a pre-emptive strike about some potentially embarrassing matters before they came up in the campaign.
That got my attention, I must admit, although I advised Cohen it hardly seemed necessary as his candidacy was so unlikely to take hold.
But he insisted on telling me about his 2005 arrest in a domestic battery case involving a girlfriend with whom he was living while his divorce was pending. The charges were dropped when the woman did not appear in court, he said, and he denied he did anything wrong in the first place.
Sheesh.
* And Steve Huntley looks at Republican angst…
Given the Rod Blagojevich scandal, 2010 should shape up as a year of opportunity for Illinois’ Republican Party. But GOP insiders, moneymen, heavy hitters and consultants view the lineup of possible gubernatorial candidates as lackluster and have tried, without success so far, to recruit new blood.
Feelers were put out to Illinois Supreme Court Justice and former Chicago Bears kicker Bob Thomas. “I’m happy where I’m at,” he says in declaring he’s not interested. Bush administration HUD Secretary Steve Preston was definitely interested but found out that federal service couldn’t get him around Illinois residency requirements for elective office. Bruce Rauner, the dynamic chairman of a Chicago private equity fund, decided against a run for family reasons.
Preston was dreaming and so was Rauner. More…
North Shore Rep. Mark Kirk is much more inclined toward taking a shot at the U.S. Senate than looking to Springfield. Northwest suburban Rep. Peter Roskam has landed a coveted spot on the important House Ways and Means Committee and has a promising future in Congress. There’s even been talk about U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. He won’t say whether anyone has sounded him out, but he has made it clear he’s not interested in any political race.
The pressure has been heavy on Kirk to reevaluate, but it’s not likely that he will. Fitz did not come to Chicago to become a politician. He came to Chicago to lock up politicians. More…
State Sen. Dan Duffy of Barrington, a Legislative newcomer, impresses many in the party. He acknowledges hearing suggestions he run, but no one in the party leadership has approached him. “The party is now evaluating a lot of people and that’s a good thing,” he says. “If party leaders said, ‘You’re that person,’ I’d have to have a serious conversation with my family and find out if this is the right time for me. But we’re not there yet.” A jump from newly minted legislator to governor in just two years time would be quite a challenge.
What has party insiders looking around is the realization the crop of Republicans announced or considering the race is made up of mostly the same old faces.
Yep. And they have a right to be worried. Go read the whole thing.
- State Sen. Clay Davis - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 9:16 am:
As if Kirk would ever want to live/work in Springfield. He’s a DC guy through and through.
- George - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 9:18 am:
You have to wonder about someone who uses this logic:
“Scott is hoping that volunteers who are already familiar with the location will continue their commitment to service and volunteer on his behalf.”
So, does he think people just randomly are showing up there still to volunteer for Change?
- Angry Republican - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 9:23 am:
The only way Dems lose US senate seat in 2010 is if Blago somehow figures out a way to steal the Dem nomination. The only group more inept than the IL-GOP is the national GOP
- Carl Nyberg - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 9:28 am:
Does Adam Adrzejeweski count as new blood?
Sometimes it seems the GOP can’t love the candidates it has b/c there’s an almost irreconcilable split in the party.
Adrzejewski does have posting privileges on Illinois Review. And he’s actually created a successful business and has some gov’t reform credentials.
- Deep South - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 9:30 am:
“A jump from newly minted legislator to governor in just two years time would be quite a challenge.”
One newly minted U.S. Senator recently made the jump to the White House, so it is possible that this challenge can be overcome.
- Vote Quimby! - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 9:30 am:
Yes George: his motto is “Change That Used To Be Here.” And I am positive that “hefty” campaign deposit came from the internet from thousands of people in $15 and $20 increments, and not from his personal funds….he already has better campaign staffers than Roland.
- Skeeter - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 9:34 am:
I’ve believed for a while that Kicker Thomas will run for something (senate or gov). For a judge, it seems he’s done a lot of political/publicity stuff.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 9:38 am:
I bet Roskam would take a shot at governor if he thought he had a shot. Being in the minority in the House is deadly dull, even if you have choice committee assignments.
Since the GOP is running through the list of former Bears, how about Gary Fencik? I know they approached him years ago. Barrington native, Yale, popular up north, and you know he can deliver a shot.
- One of the 35 - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 9:42 am:
It is already too late for the R’s to mount an effective candidate for Governor. They are so far under the fundraising bar that they can’t catch up.
- Ghost - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 9:51 am:
The GOP should consider looking for a Meghan McCain to run for Gov in IL. They need to bring in new blood and consider expanding their base with women and minorities.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 9:58 am:
The Lt. Gov. position seems to have become the “blind ambition” spot, which makes sense, since it has no job responsibilities to speak of. Everybody and their grandmother who wants a jumpstart into politics (and quite a few who are already in it) are “exploring” a race for Lt. Gov. I guess the fact that it’s vacant doesn’t hurt, either.
- Stuck with Sen. CPA - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 10:14 am:
Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia, blind ambition? Check.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 10:15 am:
See what happens when you nominate Rod Blagojevich twice? You end up with a guy like Scott Lee Cohen giving it a shot. Blagojevich lowered the bar so far, even dreamers with a record of domestic battery think they can be governor.
Both political parties have to start enforcing some standards. I’m sick of them focusing on campaigning and selecting slick idiots with dough to propel into our public offices. The GOP is again searching for mercenaries, and the Democrats haven’t lifted a finger to promote political reform after their former leader was impeached. These parties cannot be taken seriously! No wonder they are so corrupted!
What is the harm in publically declaring that they will not consider for nomination a candidate with a criminal record? What is the harm in publically declaring that they will not renominate an incompetent governor? What is the harm in publically declaring a “guarantee” that their nominations mean something?
How long are we going to support two parties incapable of producing quality candidates for public office? You simply cannot blame Illinoians for voting into office a crook, when their choices on Election Day is Crook #1 or Crook #2, and the only reason they appear on the ballot is because they had the cash and connections to snooker their way onto the ballots!
Illinois will remain a backwater state politically as long as we continue supporting both of these corrupted political parties.
- leigh - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 10:18 am:
After attending a county central committee meeting last night, I am convinced the Republicans will destroy there own before letting those horrible “right wingers” or “moderates” you choose win. And when did racism come back in style? I am so disgusted I may even switch parties.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 10:19 am:
Republicans need a true moderate if they hope to win the Governor’s mansion, and that’s why I’ve been telling them for awhile that Kirk is the best hope they have.
Given the past performance of “political outsiders” in statewide Republican politics (Oberweis, McKenna, JACK! Ryan, Gidwitz, etc.), they should look skeptically upon the idea that someone from the outside is going to rush in to save them. Untested candidates are a longshot at best, and once the novelty wears off, there’s not much “there” there.
I’d say that applies to Whitley as well, even though by all accounts he’s a smart, hardworking, honest guy.
And here’s their problem: how many moderate Republicans are there left in the state of Illinois, and how do you get a moderate through the GOP primary?
Maybe Tom Cross IS their best hope after all.
- Tired of Corruption? - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 10:37 am:
If he weren’t so detested by the very people who need him most, the fellow who give the Illinois GOP the house cleaning it so richly deserves is Peter Fitzgerald.
- northsidevoter - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 10:46 am:
To me the only choice is Gidwitz. He has spent the last 2 years building a bridge to the conservatives he can raise money he is not considered a radical Partisan. After the loud and flashy Blago and the publicity hounds that have been featured this year someone like Gidwitz would be the perfect candidate. We need someone who understands that taxes are the voters money not governments. And someone who understands how to budget.
Politics are a trade anyone can learn how to shake hands and schmoose (Gidwitz has improved at that too), we need someone that people can trust.
- I'm not saying, I'm just saying - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 10:50 am:
OMG, this is truly hilarious, you have one guy saying that a complete neophyte is the answer, like adam, whatever his name is, then you have say lets parachute in Megan McCain who has absolutely no ties to Illinois, Please See Alan Keyes, then another with Gary Fencik
- George - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 10:56 am:
“Given the past performance of “political outsiders” in statewide Republican politics “
cough… Alan Keyes … cough…
- Scooby - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 11:04 am:
Ditka
- Louis G. Atsaves - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 11:16 am:
Not all untested candidates should be avoided. A recent example: Giannoulias was such an untested candidate. Jim Thompson I guess also would fall into that category.
It depends upon the individual.
- ice phisher - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 11:47 am:
Tom Cross would be the best hope for the GOP. Although, I don’t think he is willing to go through the circular firing squad of the GOP primary with the ideological right.
- EmptySuitParade - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 12:20 pm:
StateWideTom would be a great candidate — right.
The only guy with stonger ties to Blagoof than SenatorJones is StateWideTom.
Sadly the circular firing squad would probably take him out in the primary.
It would fun to see him out on the campaign
BTW CommandoKirk would stuffed in a primary too.
Who would be next?
- Shore - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 12:24 pm:
The last time a U.S. President faced his first mid-term election the other party in his home state ran an attractive candidate named Kirk thinking that his popularity and the weakness of the President could make the seat competitive. Ron Kirk never became the next Senator from Texas.
The state gop hasn’t elected a pro-choice u.s. senator since 1978 and it’s hard to see how that happens with a Illinois guy with a 50+% approval rating sitting in the White House.
As well the state gop has lost a congressional seat in each of the last 3 elections 04-06-08, that’s not exactly a positive slope is it?
- I'm not saying, I'm just saying - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 12:36 pm:
Rich, Darn censorship
Fiddlesticks 
- Easy - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 1:05 pm:
Maybe Madigan will call Cohen the future of the Democratic Party in Illinois, like he once called Rod.
- Pat collins - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 1:08 pm:
The state gop hasn’t elected a pro-choice u.s. senator since 1978
They did elect a Senator, though:)
As well the state gop has lost a congressional seat in each of the last 3 elections 04-06-08
You don’t seriously expect the perfect D storm will continue in 10, do you?
- Jeb - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 1:21 pm:
Rich it is the Spring of 2009 and many things could happen, especially if the economy is bad and it turns out to be a bad DEM year nationally.
I believe Pat Quinn is doing the dirty work for Speaker Madigan and will not run in 2010 leaving little Lisa Madigan to become the Anti-Tax crusader that she is not.
Many times, as History dictates, the Acutal candidate does not matter, but whether his party has the momnetum.
- Jeb - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 1:22 pm:
Jim Edgar was a Pro-Choice GOP Governor who was elected twice. What is the point here?
- Jeb - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 1:30 pm:
John Shimkus, Congressman from Downstate would win, along with Ray LaHood. Lahood jumped on the Obama SS Titantic though and he is out.
- Ghost - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 1:50 pm:
Pat, the IL GOP is sure working to make it so… a perfect GOP suicide, which has the same effect of the perfect D storm.
- ConservativeVeteran - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 2:02 pm:
I live in Rep. Kirk’s district, and I hope that he’ll run for a statewide office, in 2010. If he doesn’t run for re-election, St. Rep. Elizabeth Coulson should run for his U.S. House seat.
- northsidevoter - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 2:07 pm:
Pat
When you consider that taxs and tax rates will go through the roof in the next year I think the “perfect storm” can continue through the next FEW years. Statewide and Nation wide, taxes are going to be a huge issue and it will be the Democrats pushing them in both places. People are now and will be pissed off, they want their money
- scoot - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 2:07 pm:
Ray LaHood, resign the USDOT post this summer and announce a candidacy for Guv around Labor day. Just a thought.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 4:52 pm:
Alan Keyes ran for the US Senate for about four months in 2004, but here we are six years later still using that campaign as some kind of curse.
And the people using the Keyes candidacy are some of the same folks that gave us two Blagojevich administrations. How about some perspective people?
Keyes is in the past. Move on!
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 5:41 pm:
VM,
The Keyes chapter isn’t a curse, some of us are using it to exemplify the on-going civil war raging among the IL GOP. It’s a lesson from which something can be learned about why the GOP can’t get its act together and field competitive statewide candidates. Understanding how Keyes came to Illinois is crucial to understaning why the GOP is fighting itself over SB600 and other nonsense when there are so many other, more pressing issues facing the state.
What is the saying about those who fail to learn from history’s mistakes?
- Just asking - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 6:46 pm:
How About Tony Peraica ? He is well known and has been at the forefront against Democratic and Republican corruption.
What about Dan Cronin or Bob Schillerstrom?
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 17, 09 @ 8:04 pm:
The GOP was founded in Illinois by Lincoln and Medill. They produced statesman like Dirksen and Michel.
Keyes is a joke because the he was the best the party could come up with. Amazing. He’ll cease to be a joke when they come up with a candidate that can win statewide.
Let’s face it, if the GOP can’t come up with candidates to compete statewide in 2010 — after Blago, Burris, Stroger and Daley– you might as well move to Birmingham. Or Teheran. They roll like some of you guys.
- Real Republican - Wednesday, Mar 18, 09 @ 12:04 am:
Wow,
We are really in trouble if any of the names mentioned here run for gov. None of them have any chance. Whoever brought up Gidwitz is just looking for a job. Cough Dan Proft cough cough. Why not just completely give up and make Andy McKenna our candidate. He has done a great job ruining I mean running the party. Atleast it will take his mind off of sueing the rank and file Republicans who want to through him out as GOP chief.
- Anon - Wednesday, Mar 18, 09 @ 6:49 am:
Dan Duffy?! Perfect! He’s been here three months and thinks he’s qualified. I’ve been here 30 years and he may be the most arrogant newcomer I’ve seen, and that’s saying something. A guy that knows nothing but thinks he knows everything. Listen to his speech at the impeachment tribunal. Unreal.
- why - Wednesday, Mar 18, 09 @ 9:20 am:
Why bring up a battery issue this early? weird.