Scott Lee Cohen has dropped out of the Illinois Lt. Governor race less than a week after he emerged from a crowded field as the Democratic nominee.

Cohen, who would have run on the Democratic ticket with Governor Pat Quinn in November, announced his decision Sunday evening.

'For the good of the people ? I will resign,' Cohen said during Sunday evening's press conference. 'The last thing I ever, ever wanted to do was to put the people of Illinois in jeopardy in any way.'

Cohen stepped away as word spreads that he was once accused of beating his wife. He has also been accused of holding a knife to an ex-girlfriend's throat in the past.

Quinn released a statement after the announcement in which he said Cohen 'made the right decision for the Democratic Party and the people of Illinois.'

'Now we can continue to focus our efforts on putting our economy back on track and working to bring good jobs to Illinois,' Quinn added.

The 38-member Democratic State Central Committee will make the final decision on his replacement. As of now, the committee is scheduled to meet again on March 17, though in light of Cohen's decision, a meeting could come sooner.

Source: Political: Demo...