Posted by Michelle Manchir and Monique Garcia at 6:34 p.m.
SPRINGFIELD — A diverse group of House lawmakers today threw their support behind Rep. Art Turner to be Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn’s running mate and warned the governor could suffer politically if he doesn’t go along.
The announcement came as Quinn said he expects to make his lieutenant governor preference known Friday, a day before the Democratic State Central Committee is scheduled to make its choice in Springfield.
Turner, who is African American, came in second in the Feb. 2 lieutenant governor primary. Chicago pawnbroker Scott Lee Cohen won, but quickly resigned amid tawdry revelations about his past.
Quinn, who has refused to automatically move up Turner, said in Chicago on Thursday that he has spoken to six to eight candidates from a remaining field of 16 finalists chosen by Democratic leaders. Among them is Sen. Susan Garrett of Lake Forest, a potential running mate Quinn wooed as someone who could draw support from suburban women.
Yet Turner’s supporters cautioned that snubbing him for the No. 2 spot could offend the black community and depress the vote of a core Democratic constituency.
“A lot of people are going to say that maybe this is a slap in the face to the African- American community,” said Rep. Charles Jefferson, D-Rockford. “So there could be consequences that way.”
Rep. Marlow Colvin, D-Chicago, went even further, fearing a “real serious consequence. We may end up with (Republican Sen. Bill) Brady as governor.”
But with three African-American candidates on the statewide ticket, including Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, it’s unclear at best whether black voters would stay home in November.
Rep. Mike Boland of East Moline dropped out of the initial list of finalists this week. He embraced Turner, saying he deserves the promotion because he is qualified.