| GOP conveniently discloses unsavory past of Democrat -- immediately after he wins primary. Scott Lee Cohen sold himself to Democratic primary voters as a shining example of integrity, transparency and business acumen. "Scott is prepared to bring his professional and life experience to the office of lieutenant governor," declared his campaign Web site.
From the earliest stages of his campaign, Cohen says, he was up front about two issues rarely seen in a successful political candidate: His business as a pawnbroker and domestic battery charges, later dismissed, involving a girlfriend.
But his vague account of the battery case fell apart a day after his Democratic primary victory when an examination of the police record portrayed a more troubling picture than what the candidate offered.
The ex-girlfriend is a convicted prostitute and there's a police report where she accuses Cohen of holding a knife to her throat -- just a minor detail Cohen neglected to tell voters before the primary. He also neglected to mention being sued for back taxes, failing to pay utilities and a host of other, shall we say, character issues. His ex-wife accused him of being a serial cheat who shot up illegally obtained steroids, physically abused her and failed to pay child support even as he spent millions of dollars of his own money to get elected. .
Democratic leaders got a serious case of buyer's remorse and called on him to quit the November ticket.
The time to do this is before electing the guy as the nominee, folks. Could this happen in Alabama? Damned right it could. Candidates are not likely to police themselves (see Edwards, John) and do you really think the Alabama press corps gives a damn if the Democratic party nominates someone with skeletons in his closet? No, they do not. Caveat emptor -- and if the Republican gets a free ride in November, that's just gravy. |
