Scott Lee Cohen interested in Illinois Senate post

Pawnbroker Scott Lee Cohen is interested in an Illinois Senate seat after losing an independent bid for governor.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White says a group of Chicago ward committeemen will meet Monday to choose between Cohen and other candidates who want to replace former state Sen. Rickey Hendon, who resigned last month.

White says the candidates include Cohen, Democratic Rep. Annazette Collins and former Chicago Alderman Ed Smith.

The Senate seat is Cohen's latest attempt to get into politics. He lost a bid for governor after giving up the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor when revelations about his personal life became public.

White says the committeemen want to pick a replacement who can win a full term in next year's election.