Nearly 150 apply to be Dem candidate for lt. governor

Nearly 150 people have applied to be the Democratic candidate for Illinois lieutenant governor.

The Democratic Party began accepting applications this week from people who want to replace primary winner Scott Lee Cohen on the ballot. Cohen has left the race.

Former Democratic candidate for comptroller Raja Krishnamoorthi (RAH'-jah krish-nah-MOOR'-thee) and former lieutenant governor candidate Thomas Castillo say they've submitted applications.

But longtime journalist Bob Arya has withdrawn his application. The former adviser to ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich says he's throwing his support behind State Rep. Arthur Turner, who came in second to Cohen in the primary.

Party officials say no timeline has been set to pick a candidate.