Illinois Governor Pat Quinn – who narrowly won Tuesday’s gubernatorial democratic primary – says his new running mate, Democrat, Scott Lee Cohen, should now “step aside.” Cohen is under fire for a domestic abuse charge filed in 2005, accusing him of attacking his then 24 year old girlfriend, a prostitute who worked at a massage parlor. Scott Lee Cohen denies the allegations. The case was later dropped after his former girlfriend failed to show up for a court date. At a press conference earlier today in Chicago, Gov. Pat Quinn said the people of Illinois deserve to know everything that is relevant to the accusations against Scott Lee Cohen. Quinn said if the allegations are accurate Cohen should “do the right thing for the people of Illinois and step aside” in the race for Lt. Governor.
Cohen’s campaign spokesman issued this statement from candidate Scott Lee Cohen. “I have no intention of stepping down or stepping aside. When the facts come to light, after my ex-wife and ex-girlfriend speak, the people of Illinois can decide, and I will listen to them directly. I am asking my ex-wife and ex-girlfriend to come forward and to talk with the media. There are questions, and I will provide all answers honestly and openly. I only ask for time to do the interviews. 2005 was a difficult time in my life. I was going through a divorce, and I started running with a fast group. I was in a tumultuous relationship with the woman I was dating. We had a fight, but I never touched her. She called the police, however, she never came to court, and the charges were dismissed. I realized this relationship was not healthy, I ended it, and we parted amicably.” – Scott Lee Cohen
Cohen’s PR firm sent out an additional statement this afternoon:
“I tried to tell everyone about this early on. I wanted to talk about all of these issues, but everyone wrote me off, and said I didn’t have a chance to win. Now that I’m the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor, the day after the election, there are questions. I am happy to answer any and all questions; I just need time to do so.” – Scott Lee Cohen
Fox News filed a Freedom of Information Request with the Chicago Police Department to obtain a copy of the police report related to fight between Cohen and his girlfriend on Oct, 14, 2005.
According to the Chicago Tribune, records show Cohen’s girlfriend accused him of threatening her with a knife to her throat and pushing her against a wall. The report noted police observed “mild abrasions from knife wound” on her neck. They also noted “minor scars on her hand from her trying to defend herself against the arrestee swinging the knife at her.” The report notes the woman was seen by ambulance personnel but not taken to a hospital. (Chicago Tribune, February 4, 2010)