Illinois Dems Quinn, Durbin, Giannoulias (And More): Cohen Should Withdraw

More and more Democrats in Illinois have been calling upon Scott Lee Cohen, the Dem nominee for lieutenant governor, to drop out of the race in the wake of news coverage of past steroid use, allegations of domestic violence, and other scandals. Gov. Pat Quinn's own position has now become even firmer that Cohen should leave the race, his spokesperson tells TPM.

"The governor has made it very clear that he thinks it is best for the party, and more important for the state of Illinois, for Mr. Cohen to step aside," said Quinn spokesperson Elizabeth Austin.

Yesterday, Quinn strongly suggested that Cohen should withdraw from the race, but had also left some slight leeway for Cohen to explain his side of the story. Since then, further details had emerged from Cohen's divorce files, including alleged attempted sexual assault, repeated infidelity, and other damaging information. Cohen gave an interview last night on local television, which apparently did not help his case.

"As more and more allegations come to light, it seems very clear, some behavior, some problems cannot be explained away. We hope that this will be resolved soon," said Austin. "And we would remind Mr. Cohen and anyone who is following this that there is more at stake here than a political issue. The state of Illinois is on the brink of fiscal catastrophe. It is critically for the governor and the legislature to work together to find solutions to preserve education and basic human services in our state. This is not an issue of rhetoric, it's not an issue of politicking."

If Cohen does not drop out, we asked, will Quinn withdraw from the Democratic ticket and run as an independent, in order to sever all ties with Cohen -- following a similar maneuver that former Sen. Adlai Stevenson III (D) did in his 1986 gubernatorial race? "That's not something that's being discussed at this time," said Austin.

"I think it's really important to not get ahead of ourselves, and let's see how this plays out over the next couple of days," Austin explained. "We have every hope that Mr. Cohen will prove that he has at least some of the character required of public service, and do what is best for the people that he purports to serve."

When asked whether Quinn or anyone in his campaign has reached out to Cohen, Austin said the answer was no, they have not: "We haven't seen any need to do so."

It should be noted that candidates for governor and lieutenant governor in Illinois are nominated in separate primaries, but then run together as a ticket in the general election. Therefore Quinn and Cohen are running mates, but at the same time Quinn did not pick Cohen. Quinn won his primary with just over 50% of the vote in a two-way race, while Cohen won his primary with 26% of the vote in a six-way race.

In addition to Quinn's call for Cohen to withdraw, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D), and Democratic Senate nominee Alexi Giannoulias have called upon Cohen to withdraw.

Democratic Congressman Phil Hare has also called for Cohen to leave the race. "Violence against women is reprehensible and cannot be tolerated. Given the gravity of the allegations against Mr. Cohen, I am calling on him to drop out of the race for lieutenant governor," Hare said in a statement. "With the Ryan and Blagojevich scandals behind us, the people of Illinois expect and deserve leaders who exhibit the highest standards of personal conduct possible. Mr. Cohen fails that test."

State Rep. David Miller, the Democratic nominee for Comptroller, has also released this statement:

"Scott Lee Cohen should step down as the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor immediately. He does not represent the values of our party and I don't believe he has adequately disclosed his past history to the voters of Illinois.

I find it appalling to even consider someone with his record to hold any kind of public office. People need to have faith and trust in elected leaders, and we don't need anyone in office who has abused women or neglected their responsibilities.

His refusal to step down is not only arrogant, but he is sending a message that domestic abuse is acceptable. It is completely and totally unacceptable."