Former lt. gov. candidate Cohen runs for governor

SPRINGFIELD -- A political newcomer whose past forced him out of the race for lieutenant governor filed a 100-pound pile of petitions Monday to get on the ballot in the governor's race, calling his support evidence that voters have forgiven him for allegations of misconduct.

Scott Lee Cohen said he submitted more than 133,000 signatures to the State Board of Elections. He needs 25,000 valid signatures to qualify as an independent candidate for governor.

"It's time the people of Illinois forgot about the past. Let's find a way to move Illinois forward and into the future," Cohen said. "If you look at the amount of signatures, it's a very good indication that people have forgiven me, and I'm very grateful."

His opponents are likely to pore over the petitions and challenge any signatures that appear improper. And if Cohen does have enough signatures, he still might face legal challenges over the unprecedented circumstances -- the winner of the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor dropping out of that race and just a few months later filing to run as an independent for another office.

Gov. Pat Quinn wouldn't say whether he plans to challenge Cohen's petitions.

"I'm more anxious in having a contest of ideas at the ballot box than having any kind of outside battle," he said.

Cohen, 45, spent millions to win the nomination for lieutenant governor. Afterward, it came out that he had been accused of domestic battery, abusing steroids and failing to pay child support.

Party leaders quickly pressured him to withdraw.

Cohen largely refused to answer questions Monday about the conduct that led him to drop out of the lieutenant governor's race.

Cohen was one of many candidates filing to run as independents or third-party candidates.

The Libertarian Party filed petitions for a full slate of candidates, as did the Constitution Party.