Scandals Force Out Illinois Lt. Gov. Candidate

Chicago pawnbroker was abusive steroid addict, deadbeat dad

By Jane Yager, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 8, 2010 8:07 AM CST

(Newser) – Scott Lee Cohen, the Chicago pawnbroker whose surprise primary victory in the Illinois lieutenant governor race was quickly followed by an avalanche of scandalous revelations, has quit the race. Leading Illinois Democrats urged Cohen to drop out after the public learned he'd met a prostitute at a massage therapy spa, committed domestic violence while addicted to steroids, and failed to pay his ex-wife child support while pumping $2 million into his campaign, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Bowing to pressure, a tearful Cohen announced his resignation "for the good of the people" in a Chicago bar during Super Bowl halftime yesterday. Governor Pat Quinn, who'd complained that sharing a ticket with Cohen would hurt his chances of reelection, said that Cohen "made the right decision" by resigning.

Democratic nominee for Illinois lieutenant governor Scott Lee Cohen is interviewed at the WTTW television studio in Chicago on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Feb. 4, 2010, Scott Lee Cohen and his ex-wife Debbie Cohen York are interviewed on WTTW-TV in Chicago after details emerged about his arrest for allegedly holding a knife to an ex-girlfriend's throat. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Feb. 4, 2010: Scott Lee Cohen and his ex-wife Debbie Cohen York are interviewed on WTTW-TV in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

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Showing 3 of 17 comments

fancygapva

Feb 9, 2010 2:01 AM CST

@prowler--yeah, what flight of the phoenix said. The Sex thing just jumped out at me and I don't think that should matter. But abuse of women, not paying child support both reflect on how he would serve in office, as does, IMHO being a pawn broker. All of those things either involve crimes or in the case of pawn broking it's almost impossible to do the job without committing crimes. What two consenting adults do that doesn't injure anyone --again IMHO-- should be nobody's business. I think I have an objective view on that due to my age. I've been celebate so long I'm well into my second virginity.

fancygapva

Feb 9, 2010 1:51 AM CST

Pawnbrokers almost have to be dishonest to have that position. The only thing different between politicians and other men is nobody cares if Joe the Plumber screws around and it's not going to make the papers or the 6 o'clock news. Politicians have genetalia and they have press. If they get caught using one outside the *yawn* domestic bedroom, the other swings into gear. Americans, grow up. DeGualle brought his wife and his mistress to his inauguration. Zuma has a bunch of wives and 20 kids. What people do with their private parts should remain private, whether or not they are public figures.

wtf_wtf

Feb 8, 2010 7:27 AM CST

what a MORON!

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Scandals Force Out Illinois Lt. Gov. Candidate

Chicago pawnbroker was abusive steroid addict, deadbeat dad

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prostitution • Chicago • domestic violence • Illinois • child support • Pat Quinn • Illinois Democratic primary • Scott Lee Cohen

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But scandals in both states makes it a close race, notes Gail Collins

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Ex-gov bashes his trial, his successor; jokes about hair and lack of progress on book

Illinois Shuts Down Death Row

State no longer executes criminals

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Bill would require funeral protesters to stay extra 100 feet away

Illinois to Ban Death Penalty

Gov. Quinn expected to sign repeal bill today

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prostitution • Chicago • domestic violence • Illinois • child support • Pat Quinn • Illinois Democratic primary • Scott Lee Cohen

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Illinois' Political Culture Is Even Worse Than NY's

But scandals in both states makes it a close race, notes Gail Collins

Blago 'A Natural' in Radio Gig

Ex-gov bashes his trial, his successor; jokes about hair and lack of progress on book

Illinois Shuts Down Death Row

State no longer executes criminals

Illinois Senate Approves Anti-Westboro Bill

Bill would require funeral protesters to stay extra 100 feet away

Illinois to Ban Death Penalty

Gov. Quinn expected to sign repeal bill today

About Us

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Newser By Users

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