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 | CASH ON HAND $114,091 | |
| RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR SCOTT LEE COHEN (I) |
The Man: Scott Lee Cohen won the 2010 Democratic primary for Lt. Governor, but then withdrew under pressure following revelations about his personal life, including a prostitute ex-girlfriend, steroiduse, and a troubled divorce. Three months later, Cohen announced his attention to run for governor on a jobs platform.
Cohen's past controversies now overshadow his gubernatorial bid. Trailing badly in the contest, Cohen's likely role is that of the spoiler. Recent polls factoring in his candidacy show him drawing votes away from the Republican challenger, Bill Brady.
The Knock: Cohen's otherwise practical focus on jobs is undermined by his personal history and his apparent ignorance of basic fiscal and monetary policy. However, in recent weeks he has unveiled a four-year plan to eliminate $10.5 billion from the state's budget deficit without raising taxes. Details in the proposal include eliminating $2 billion in tax incentives for corporations and eliminating tax loopholes for citizens making over $1 million per year.
The Strategy: Cohen has a singular focus on jobs, and throughout his campaign he's has hosted job fairs to connect with voters. Cohen has also courted members of the Tea Party.
The Buzz:
- The Examiner reports that Cohen is pulling 14% in the polls
- Cohen unable to name any government agencies where he would cut spending during an interview for Businessweek.com
- NBCChicago covers Cohen's move to host job fair on same day of Quinn and Brady debate
- Chicago Tribune discusses how Cohen is pulling votes away from Quinn
- The State Journal-Register gets Cohen on record saying he has no clue how to fix the budget
- NBCChicago discusses how Cohen's campaign against Quinn will work to Brady's advantage
- Cohen earns a spot on the ballot after charges are dropped according to NBCChicago
- Chicago Public Radio reports Cohen's mission for signatures on his petition for Governor
