Report: Embattled Ill. Lt. Gov. nominee considering stepping aside

Scott Lee Cohen (Ill.), the Democratic lieutenant governor nominee, is considering dropping his bid after opposition to his candidacy has risen, a Chicago television station reported Saturday.

Cohen's ex-wife has accused him of taking steroids and threatening her and her children. Cohen reportedly attempted to choke his ex-wife Debra.

The nominee has previously resisted calls to step aside.

Here is more from CBS2: 

Under increasing pressure to step down, Democratic lieutenant governor nominee Scott Lee Cohen is reportedly considering stepping aside. A source told CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery Friday that Cohen wants to drop out and is "trying to figure out how to do it"

Cohen has resisted calls from top Democrats – including Gov. Pat Quinn and [Senate Majority Whip] Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) – to step aside in light of explosive allegations of domestic abuse and drug use.

A key Democratic source told CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery on Friday that "I think he (Cohen) wants to get out. He's trying to figure out how to do it."

When CBS 2 called Cohen's campaign to confirm that information, Cohen's spokesman said "I'm not aware of anything like that" and said if reporters wanted to speak directly to Cohen, the candidate would be at the Vertigo nightclub at the top of the Dana Hotel and Spa in downtown Chicago Friday night.

Durbin says he doesn't see Cohen remaining on the ticket, and he plans to put pressure on him to get out of the race.

"He's not going to be lieutenant governor," Durbin said. "I'm just saying we have found ways legally to give voters an alternative."