SPRINGFIELD — House Speaker Michael Madigan said he doesn’t have a favorite in the race to find a Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor.
Madigan, the powerful Chicago Democrat, had backed state Rep. Art Turner, D-Chicago, in the Feb. 2 primary.
But political newcomer Scott Lee Cohen was the surprise winner in last week’s balloting after spending more than $2 million of his own money to win the nomination.
Cohen announced he was abandoning his bid Sunday after revelations of domestic abuse surfaced.
In the wake of Cohen’s departure, possible candidates have begun lining up to be considered for a spot on the November ballot.
A number of state lawmakers, including Turner, who came in second behind Cohen, have said they would consider running. Among them are state Reps. Mike Boland of East Moline and John Bradley of Marion.
State Sens. Terry Link of Waukegan, Mike Frerichs of Gifford and Rickey Hendon of Chicago also have surfaced as possibilities.
“I’ve committed to no one,” Madigan said. “I think the overriding goal ought to be to find a strong candidate who will be well received by the people of Illinois.”
Former Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth, who now works for the Obama administration, also has surfaced as a possible contender.
“She certainly has got an outstanding record in government,” Madigan told reporters during a break in the Capitol.
The speaker said he plans to sit down with Gov. Pat Quinn and Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, in the coming weeks to discuss possible replacements.
As chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, Madigan will then talk to members of the party’s 38-member central committee about making a final appointment.
That, however, won’t happen until after March 5, when the results of Tuesday’s primary are formally certified by state election regulators.
“My plan is to work cooperatively with the governor,” Madigan said.
Madigan refused to take blame for the lack of public information about Cohen’s shaky background before voters went to the polls.
“I’m not going to engage in finger pointing or recriminations,” Madigan said. “I think we ought to be happy that Mr. Cohen has dropped out.”
Asked whether the person picked as the replacement would undergo a criminal background check, Madigan told members of the media, “I think that this time around that you people will be helpful in that regard.”
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