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Sunday, Feb 7, 2010 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The state Democratic Party will make the appointment to fill the Scott Lee Cohen lt. governor vacancy. So, I asked Steve Brown, Speaker/Chairman Michael Madigan’s spokesman, about what was next.

Brown said that Madigan intends to work with the state central committee, Gov. Quinn, Senate President Cullerton and others to find a replacement for Cohen on the ticket. Brown claimed that Madigan would not act “heavy-handed,” as the media has constantly portrayed him.

Stay tuned.

*** UPDATE - 12:36 am *** From Rep. Art Turner, who finished second in the lt. governor’s race…

“I commend Scott Lee Cohen on making the difficult decision today to resign his nomination for Lieutenant Governor, and have great respect for any citizen who engages in the public political process with the hopes to improve the lives of Illinoisans.

“I believe that in the November general election, the people of Illinois will elect the candidates who are the most honest, experienced and effective leaders. Governor Pat Quinn heads an outstanding slate of accomplished legislators on the Democratic ticket that far surpass the Republican candidates in every important regard. It continues to be my desire to join this exceptional group of individuals as the Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor, and to bring my 30 years of experience to the executive branch as we solve the difficult economic and social challenges that face this great state.”

Tribune…

Even before Cohen stepped off the ticket, some Democratic leaders said privately that they would like to expand a search beyond the primary election contenders and look to fill the vacancy to provide some regional balance–namely a downstate resident.

Currently, all of the nominees on the Democratic statewide ticket come from Chicago—a point Republicans have used in the past to contend that city-controlled politics dominates state policy.

From Gov. Quinn…

“Tonight he has made the right decision for the Democratic Party and the people of Illinois. Now we can continue to focus our efforts on putting our economy back on track and working to bring good jobs to Illinois.”

Media Availability with Governor Quinn Tomorrow:

When: Monday, Feb 8 at 10:30 am
Where: Allegro Hotel (171 W. Randolph St) - room TBA

* ABC7’s report from the scene…

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And, he’s out

Sunday, Feb 7, 2010 - Posted by Rich Miller

* 7:17 pm - AP…

The Democratic nominee for Illinois lieutenant governor has dropped out of the race less than a week after winning the nomination amid a political uproar about his past.

Scott Lee Cohen announced his decision Sunday night at a Chicago bar.

Tribune…

“For the good of the people …I will resign,” he said, adding: “The last thing I ever, ever wanted to do was to put the people of Illinois in jeopardy in any way.”

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*** UPDATED x1 *** Updated SLC news - Out at 7:30?

Sunday, Feb 7, 2010 - Posted by Rich Miller

* 6:34 pm - Democratic lt. governor nominee Scott Lee Cohen has reportedly asked that a withdrawal speech be prepared for tonight. He’ll be at the Hop Häus starting at 7 o’clock or so, then emerge at around 10 o’clock for an announcement.

I’ll reopen comments before ten so Chicagoland readers can help with the live-blogging.

Just as a cautionary note, he’s not 100 percent certain to drop out tonight, but he is far closer than he has been if he’s drafting a speech.

*** UPDATE - 6:45 pm *** Change of plans. He’s reportedly making his statement at 7:30 and the word is it’s a drop-out statemeNT.

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We interrupt your Superbowl party for the clown show

Sunday, Feb 7, 2010 - Posted by Rich Miller

* 5:52 pm - It never ends…

Embattled Democratic lieutenant governor nominee Scott Lee Cohen is scheduled to address the media about his decision on whether to remain in the race.

Spokesman Baxter Swilley says Cohen won’t announce a decision at a Chicago bar on Sunday night. Instead, he’ll talk about his thought process and where he is in making the decision.

…Adding… I was saving this for tomorrow, but the Tribbies beat me to it…

Attempting to rebut criticism that the Illinois Democratic Party should have done more to prevent Scott Lee Cohen’s nomination for lieutenant governor, powerful House speaker and Democratic chairman Michael Madigan met with Cohen on Friday and urged him in a “very direct and very frank” way to drop his candidacy, a top Madigan aide said today.

Steve Brown, a spokesman for Madigan, said he was unable to characterize Cohen’s response to Madigan during the meeting in Madigan’s Chicago law office. He said the meeting had previously been kept under wraps to avoid the appearance of backing Cohen into a corner.

But Brown said he believed the meeting should be publicized after Madigan has become the subject of criticism for failing to do background checks on the candidates for lieutenant governor, including Cohen.

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