CHICAGO (STMW) — Gov. Pat Quinn says he wants a running mate who shares his passions. Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan would rather do away with the lieutenant governor’s office.
But the Illinois Democratic Party, which Madigan chairs, has opened a Web site that will allow those who want to seek the number-two job in state government a chance to present their credentials.
Quinn currently has no running mate. Scott Lee Cohen, who won the Feb. 2 primary, left the ticket under pressure after it became widely known that he was accused of abusing his ex-wife and arrested for holding a knife to the throat of an ex- girlfriend. Cohen has denied the allegations, and charges stemming from his arrest were dropped when the girlfriend failed to appear at a court hearing.
Quinn said he considers what the party is doing to seek potential candidates “a healthy process.” In the end, the decision is up to the Democratic party’s 38 state central committeemen, two from each of Illinois’ 19 congressional districts.
The weight of each committeeman’s vote depends on the number of Democratic ballots cast in the last election.
He did not offer any opinion on known candidates Saturday, noting only that Southern Illinois University law professor Sheila Simon, the daughter of former U.S. Sen. and Lt. Gov. Paul Simon, is a long-time friend.
He again said he wants someone who shares his passions. He has said that includes a concern for veterans and consumers. Quinn, speaking at the International Kennel Club dog show at McCormick Place, also said he wants someone who is a dog lover.
Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.
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