Embattled former lieutenant governor nominee Scott Lee Cohen, who dropped out of the race amidst allegations of domestic violence and steroid abuse, announced his bid for Illinois governor on Monday.
Cohen has been planning to run as an Independent for many weeks, and met with Democratic Party chair Michael Madigan in April to discuss his ambitions. On Monday, he publicly announced his ambitions during a press conference at the James R. Thompson Center.
"I have called this press conference to officially announce my candidacy and intention to run for governor of the state of Illinois," Cohen said. "I am running for governor because like the rest of the state of illinois, I am tired of the waste and mismanagement that has led our state through financial instability."
Cohen told the crowd Monday that he would not advocate for a tax increase, and planned to organize a committee of business owners to assist with fiscal policy, NBC reports.
Governor Pat Quinn is not concerned about his new competitor.
"If you can get the signatures - and it's a healthy number - you can do whatever you want," Quinn told the Daily Herald last week. "The people decide."
Quinn added that he ran into Cohen at a recent White Sox game, where Cohen hinted he would be running.
"He told me to get ready for a big surprise," Quinn said, according to the Pantagraph. "I guess that's it, huh?"
Cohen won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in February, but dropped out days later after allegations of domestic violence, forcible sex and steroid abuse surfaced.
He will need to get 25,000 signatures from registered voters by June 21 to get on the ballot. Aside from Gov. Quinn, Cohen faces Republican Sen. Bill Brady and Green Party candidate Rich Whitney.
"I am not perfect, but I am honest," Cohen said Monday, mentioning the drama surrounding his ouster. "I was with people who did not have my best interests at heart. But I have moved on. That was five years ago. And like many of you, I have restarted my life.
"I have asked the people of Illinois to forgive me."