Thurgood Marshall (July 2, 1908 – January 24, 1993) was an American jurist and the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. Before becoming a judge, he was a lawyer who was best remembered for his high success rate in arguing before the Supreme Court and for the victory in Brown v. Board of Education. He was nominated to the court by President Lyndon Johnson in 1967.

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On June 13, 1967, President Johnson appointed Marshall to the Supreme Court following the retirement of Justice Tom C. Clark, saying that this was “the right thing to do, the right time to do it, the right man and the right place.” Marshall was confirmed as an Associate Justice by a Senate vote of 69-11 on August 31, 1967.[6] He was the 96th person to hold the position, and the first African-American. President Johnson confidently predicted to one biographer, Doris Kearns Goodwin, that a lot of black baby boys would be named “Thurgood” in honor of this choice (in fact, Kearns’s research of birth records in New York and Boston indicates that Johnson’s prophecy did not come true).

Marshall served on the Court for the next twenty-four years, compiling a liberal record that included strong support for Constitutional protection of individual rights, especially the rights of criminal suspects against the government. His most frequent ally on the Court (indeed, the pair rarely voted at odds) was Justice William Brennan, who consistently joined him in supporting abortion rights and opposing the death penalty. Brennan and Marshall concluded in Furman v. Georgia that the death penalty was, in all circumstances, unconstitutional, and never accepted the legitimacy of Gregg v. Georgia, which ruled four years later that the death penalty was constitutional in some circumstances. Thereafter, Brennan or Marshall dissented from every denial of certiorari in a capital case and from every decision upholding a sentence of death.[citation needed] In 1987, Marshall gave a controversial speech on the occasion of the bicentennial celebrations of the Constitution of the United States.[8] Marshall stated,

“the government they devised was defective from the start, requiring several amendments, a civil war, and major social transformations to attain the system of constitutional government and its respect for the freedoms and individual rights, we hold as fundamental today.”

In conclusion Marshall stated

“Some may more quietly commemorate the suffering, struggle, and sacrifice that has triumphed over much of what was wrong with the original document, and observe the anniversary with hopes not realized and promises not fulfilled. I plan to celebrate the bicentennial of the Constitution as a living document, including the Bill of Rights and the other amendments protecting individual freedoms and human rights.”[9]

Books and Media:

Thurgood Marshall by Montrew Dunham

Thurgood Marshall by Chris Crowe

Thurgood Marshall: His Speeches, Writings, Arguments, Opinions, and Reminiscences (The Library of Black America series) Mark V. Tushnet (Editor), Randall Kennedy (Foreword)

Biography – Thurgood Marshall: Justice for All (2005)-DVD

A Picture Book of Thurgood Marshall (Picture Book Biography) ,David A. Adler (Author), Robert Casilla (Illustrator)

Exporting American Dreams: Thurgood Marshall’s African Journey, Mary L. Dudziak (Author)

Dream Makers, Dream Breakers: The World of Justice Thurgood Marshall, Carl T. Rowan (Author)

ABC News Primetime Thurgood Marshall-DVD

Thurgood Marshall: Justice for All, Roger Goldman (Author), David Gallen (Author)

For me, there are many touchstones, but often I think of a simple, heartbreaking statement I heard nearly three years ago: “They’re not going to let him win.” So I was told by an elderly, quietly dignified African-American woman who barely cracked open her front door in snowy Iowa when I knocked. I was there to help organize support for an African-American senator from Illinois who was running for President. Perfectly poised, the woman was impassive as she spoke past the chain still fastened to her door, maintaining the dignity that she had seen denied to so many others. For she remembered too well a time when water fountains and buses were a canvas for oppression, when the word “separate” drained all meaning from the word “equal.”

My generation is marked by different memories. When we think of struggle and injustice, we also remember a great man who taught us to dream. We remember walking arm-in-arm with an ever-growing community whose voices told a story of freedom, from neighborhood coalitions to the courtroom. I am a child of this time – my mother raised my sister and me in Oakland amidst marches for racial justice and equality.

Please continue reading…

When I first ran for office, there were those who said “no,” who said: “it’s too difficult,” or, “it’s not your turn.” But I responded yes, the time is now and the time is right. And all across the country, my voice is just one part of a chorus of leaders committed to making that basic truth – that all men and women are created equal – more evident.

Soon, our children will know only a world in which a black man named Barack Obama stood in the eyes of a nation and spoke these singular, American words: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States.” For all of the challenges we still face, our young people today are more free, and less marked by the past, than any generation before. And that makes our history all the more important, for these children will soon write the next chapters in our history of struggle, of redemption, of ever-growing justice.

We do not know the history they will write. However, as Coretta Scott King reminds us, freedom is earned with each generation. In this renewal, it is not only history that helps us understand where we are today; where we are today also helps us revisit our history. And so, on a cold day in January 2008, I saw the elderly, quietly dignified African-American woman step into a caucus room in Iowa, joining cause with a generation of young people who had never learned that they could not do something. She re-wrote part of her story that day, and ours.

Make no mistake, there is much work still left to do. From our criminal justice system, to the mortgage crisis, to health care, to education, we face challenges that demand the courage and innovation of the civil rights generation. These challenges are more diverse than ever. But so are the solutions – today, more than ever before, we can empower people to work together across boundaries towards positive change, real solutions, and the promise of our great nation. And that must be our work, not only to honor history but to make history.

As I reflect and celebrate Black History Month, I recognize that it is, in some ways, none of those things. It is not only black – it is the history of our country and of our world, it is all of ours. It is not only history – it is a story that we are still writing, it is our future. And it is not only a month – let us make it a reminder for every day, every week, and every month.

You can learn more about my campaign to become California’s first female African-American Attorney General at kamalaharris.org.

—–REUTERS/Jim Young

First Lady Michelle Obama to Appear on CNN’s Larry King Live
CNN’s Larry King Live will have a primetime exclusive interview with Michelle Obama on Tuesday, February 9th, 9pm ET and 6pm PT according to cnn.com. Larry King will discuss everything from the family’s first year in the White House, her husband, and her new initiative on childhood obesity, which is set to be unveiled on February 9th.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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As you go through your day, don’t forget JJP.

Drop those links. Engage in debate. Give us trivia and gossip too.

And always, have a peaceful day.

Hi folks — I’m on the Board of Netroots Nation and also on the Agenda Committee. I believe strongly in this organization. The first Netroots Nation, then Yearly Kos, was so dynamic and inspirational that it’s one of the reasons I started this blog in the first place and co-founded it with Jack Turner.

This is the fifth anniversary and we’re going back to Las Vegas. Who’s we? Well, only thousands of bloggers, journalists, lawmakers, candidates (and their staff) plus activists and NGOs from around the country. It’s an amazing energy — you’ve got to be there to believe. It makes the news each year.

Today is the deadline for panel submissions (although due to the snopocalypse, they are being understanding if you need another day or two). Diversity is very important to the conference organizers so I’d really urge you to apply. I’ll be looking out for ya, although I can’t make any promises. Certainly though we will be alert to new voices and ideals for panels. So please do consider pulling together a panel.

Here’s more info:

In order to create the most well-rounded agenda possible, we need your help. As members of the community, we ask you to help us develop and organize the sessions you’ll attend at Netroots Nation 2010.

The deadline for submissions is February 8, 2010.

Click here to submit a Session Proposal for Netroots Nation 2010

We’re looking for sessions that range from policy discussions to best practices to case studies. Netroots Nation panels run the gamut of progressive policy, but we’ve set a few priority areas this year. We’ll be sure to cover these areas:

• Immigration reform
• Employee free choice/labor topics
• Economic/financial reform topics
• Organizing around the 2010 election
• Organizing for long term systematic and infrastructure changes to our political process

We also want forward-looking ideas, ones that provide attendees with tools to make change and ideas to build upon. Feel free to browse our archive of previous sessions and check out our video archiveto see what has been done in years past.

Things to think about when preparing a submission:

• How does the session help the broader progressive movement? How will it teach and empower activists to take what they’ve learned and use it for the greater good?
• Does your session offer a fresh angle? One of the Netroots’ great strengths is its ability to shun conventional wisdom in favor of a new approach. Each session should offer a Netroots hook and cover interesting topics from new perspectives.
• If we have similar ideas that are submitted, we reserve the right to work with both submitters to include the best ideas and most diverse participants.
• No astroturfing. A session is not for the sole purpose of selling your book, non-profit, business, software, website idea or Facebook application.
• We strive for diversity at Netroots Nation. We favor sessions that offer a range of diversity (ethnicity, gender, age, viewpoints, geography, etc) over those that do not. If your session is accepted we may ask you to make panelist changes accordingly.
• Does your idea engage an underrepresented community? Does it reach out beyond the traditional areas of the Netroots to other activists who may not yet identify with our community?
• Give it a simple and straightforward title or name: Clever titles and/or descriptions make it harder for people (committee and attendees) to figure out what you’re really talking about
• Take a look at some tips for writing a successful speaking proposal.

The nuts and bolts of a Netroots Nation session:

• The deadline for session submissions is Monday, February 8, 2010.
• Organizers will be notified the week of April 5, 2010 about their submissions.
• Sessions are almost always scheduled for 75 minutes. There are rare exceptions made, but this is by far the most common. Structuring your time to provide as much audience interaction as possible is encouraged.
• On the submission form there is a long drop-down list that asks you to pick a category for your panel. This helps the Selection Committee group similar ideas together and isn’t etched in stone, so don’t over-think it.
• You don’t need to have specific names for each panel role. Feel free to include a role/title as opposed to a specific name. (examples are: “Expert on Government Transparency” or “State-level blogger who specializes in X” or “Local Labor Union Rep”) Use the “Panelist Info” field to further describe who the possible participants might be and what they would discuss.
• By submitting a proposal, you are taking responsibility as the organizer of the session. It is your responsibility to secure commitments from all participants, communicate with your panelists about the panel and Netroots Nation news, to monitor logistics for your session (such as exceptional AV needs) and to enter all of the data about your session and its participants into our participant portal (details on the portal will be provided at a later date).
• The three broad criteria sessions will be judge upon are: (1) Is this a session we should have? Is the idea creative, interesting and relevant? Would you attend this session? (2) Does it engage an under represented community? Is it a unique mix of panelists? Are panelists diverse? (3) Does it empower attendees? Will it be an interactive session? Does it give people tools or allow for action beyond NN?

Organizer roles and responsibilities:

• If needed, speakers and organizers may request up to 5 complimentary registrations per panel. Speakers and organizers are responsible for booking and paying for their own travel expenses. Information about Netroots Nation’s hotel block can be found here (http://www.netrootsnation.org/location)
• If you’re selected to speak on a panel and you’ve already purchased a registration to attend Netroots Nation 2010, Netroots Nation’s refund policy still applies.
• The organizer and panelists should promote and engage the session prior to Netroots Nation. This can include blog posts, tweets, diaries, social networking, etc.
• The Organizer will be expected to arrange one or more conference calls with speakers and members of the selection committee prior to Netroots Nation to discuss content and format.

Because of the nature of this submission process, some session organizers may be asked to combine similar proposals. The proposals will be judged by a panel comprised of people from all corners of the Netroots based on the criteria above.

The Selection Committee includes: Netroots Nation staff members Raven Brooks, Mary Rickles and Nolan Treadway; Jenifer Fernandez Ancona; Adam Bonin (aka Adam B); Cheryl Contee (aka Jill Tubman); Nathaniel Charny (NN Program Coordinator 2007-10); Carolyn Dulchinos (aka No One Owns Me); Barry Kendall; Tina Lee; Mike Lux of OpenLeft.com; Jackie Mahendra; Adam Mordecai; Michael Moschella; Tanya Tarr; Marcy Wheeler.

If you have questions on the session submission process, please feel free to email us at panels2010 at netrootsnation.org

John Hope Franklin was the James B. Duke Professor Emeritus of History, and for seven years was Professor of Legal History in the Law School at Duke University. He was a native of Oklahoma and a graduate of Fisk University. He received the A.M. and Ph.D. degrees in history from Harvard University. He has taught at a number of institutions, including Fisk University, St. Augustine’s College, North Carolina Central University, and Howard University. In 1956 he went to Brooklyn College as Chairman of the Department of History; and in 1964, he joined the faculty of the University of Chicago, serving as Chairman of the Department of History from 1967 to 1970. At Chicago, he was the John Matthews Manly Distinguished Service Professor from 1969 to 1982, when he became Professor Emeritus.

Professor Franklin’s numerous publications include The Emancipation Proclamation, The Militant South, The Free Negro in North Carolina, Reconstruction After the Civil War, and A Southern Odyssey: Travelers in the Ante-bellum North. Perhaps his best known book is From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African-Americans, now in its seventh edition. His Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities for 1976 was published in 1985 and received the Clarence L. Holte Literary Prize for that year. In 1990, a collection of essays covering a teaching and writing career of fifty years, was published under the title, Race and History: Selected Essays, 1938-1988. In 1993, he published The Color Line: Legacy for the Twenty-first Century. Professor Franklin’s most recent book, My Life and an Era: The Autobiography of Buck Colbert Franklin, is an autobiography of his father that he edited with his son, John Whittington Franklin. His current research deals with “Dissidents on the Plantation: Runaway Slaves.”

From The WashingtonPost.com:

When Barack Obama emerged as a possible candidate for president, I asked John Hope how historic it would be if Obama won his party’s nomination. He replied that the historical significance of such a thing was beyond measure. Obama’s nomination, he said, “would counter one of the most dominant narratives of the past 350 years on this continent.” Then he added the thought that it could be even more historically and culturally important “to have that family as the First Family than to have Obama as President.”

Youtube:

TPM Photo Essay on John Hope Franklin

Media:

Mirror to America: The Autobiography of John Hope Franklin by John Hope Franklin

From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans (2 Vols. in 1) by John Hope Franklin (Author), Alfred A. Moss Jr. (Author)

Race and History: Selected Essays, 1938-1988 by John Hope Franklin (Author), McBratney (Author)

Charlie Rose – John Hope Franklin (January 21, 2008)-DVD

First Person Singular: John Hope Franklin (1998)-DVD

In Search of the Promised Land: A Slave Family in the Old South by John Hope Franklin (Author), Loren Schweninger (Author)

Runaway Slaves: Rebels on the Plantation by John Hope Franklin (Author), Loren Schweninger (Author)

Reconstruction after the Civil War by John Hope Franklin

George Washington Williams: A Biography by John Franklin

Upcoming Guidance on “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement”

Event marks the continuation of White House Music Series by celebrating Black History Month

The 2010 White House Music Series begins on Wednesday, February 10th, when the President and First Lady will host “In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” – a concert celebrating Black History month. Participants include Natalie Cole, Bob Dylan, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, John Mellencamp, Smokey Robinson, Seal, the Blind Boys of Alabama, the Howard University Choir and others. Morgan Freeman and Queen Latifah will serve as emcees for this concert which will feature songs from the Civil Rights Movement as well as readings from famous Civil Rights speeches and writings. The President will make opening remarks at this concert held in the East Room which will be pooled press and streamed live on www.whitehouse.gov starting at 5:15 p.m. ET.

The concert will be televised on February 11th at 8:00 p.m. ET on public broadcasting stations nationwide as part of WETA Washington, D.C.’s “In Performance at the White House” series. NPR will also produce a one-hour concert special from this event for broadcast nationwide on NPR Member stations throughout the month of February, beginning February 12th. The special will be available on www.npr.org/music.

As part of this special event, Mrs. Obama will host “Music that Inspired the Movement,” a workshop that several of the event’s performers will lead for 120 high school students from across the country on Wednesday, February 10th from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET. The students will come to learn about the continuing relevance of music from the Civil Rights Movement to today’s generation and its original impact in the 1960s. This event will be streamed live on www.whitehouse.gov and students all over the country will be invited to watch and engage in the workshop.

First Lady Michelle Obama kicked off the White House Music Series last year with a Jazz Studio, and since then has hosted a celebration of Country Music, a Fiesta Latina and a celebration of Classical Music. Many of these events included evening performances as well as daytime educational workshops designed to educate and inspire talented young people to use their gifts to develop a future for themselves in the arts community whether as a hobby or as a profession.

In Elon James White’s new TWiB — a brutha takes a 30,000 foot perspective on blackness. He lays out a series of 13 truths by, for, about black folk. It’s almost some kinda manifesto…a bit of humor with a heaping side of philosophy. Here are a few of my favorite truths…

• There’s no such thing as “Good Hair.”
• Racism isn’t over. When someone of color says this, they aren’t complaining. They’re observant.
• Black people don’t have to live up to a definition of #blackness. “We” define it w/ everything we do.
• Intelligence does not equal lack of black authenticity. (Jill — Attention: Chris Matthews)
• There’s no better “SHADE” of Black. Light, Dark, Medium. We’re all STILL black. (Jill — Attention: Harry Reid)
• “Black” and “Ghetto” are not interchangeable. One describes a people. One describes a class.
• No one can speak for black people. People speak ABOUT blacks; for “groups of blacks”, but not “FOR BLACKS.”

And my number one favorite:

Obama didn’t come to save Blacks. He came from years of Black Struggle. He’s a product, not the solution.

Peep it…then add your reactions and your own take on the Black Truths in the comments. What did Elon get right and what did he leave out?

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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As you begin a new week, don’t forget JJP.

Drop those links. Engage in debate. Give us trivia and gossip too.

And always, have a peaceful day.

Posted via web from baratunde’s internet scratch pad

Cohen Quits Race in Illinois
Scott Lee Cohen (D), the Democratic nominee for Illinois lieutenant governor, “removed himself from the campaign Sunday, freeing Gov. Pat Quinn from the baggage Cohen brought to the ticket, but also leaving him without a running mate,” NBC Chicago reports.

Said Cohen: “I’m someone who made mistakes in my life. And look where I am. If I let you down I”m sorry”.

It’s never boring.

Douglas Lee Williams (born August 9, 1955 in Zachary, Louisiana) is a former American football quarterback. Williams is best known for his MVP performance in Super Bowl XXII with the Washington Redskins. He is, to date, the only African-American to win a Super Bowl as starting quarterback.

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After the USFL shut down in 1986, Williams returned to the NFL, joining the Washington Redskins at the behest of Redskins coach Joe Gibbs, who had been the offensive coordinator at Tampa Bay when Williams was there.

Initially Williams served as the backup for starting quarterback Jay Schroeder, but after Schroeder became injured, Williams stepped in and led the Redskins to an opening-day victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. It would be one of three times in 1987 that Williams subbed for Schroeder and led the team to victory (the other two were 11/15 vs. Detroit and 12/26 at Minnesota). Williams only started two games, 9/20 at Atlanta and 11/23 vs. the Rams. While both starts were losses, at the end of the season, when the Redskins had qualified for the playoffs, Williams, with his 94.0 passer rating, was chosen as the starter. He led the team to Super Bowl XXII in which they routed the Denver Broncos, becoming the first black quarterback to play in a Super Bowl, and as of Super Bowl XLIII, the only black quarterback to win one. Although an urban legend holds that Williams was asked on Media Day, “How long have you been a black quarterback?” the story is untrue.

Facing legendary Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway, Williams engineered a 42-10 rout, in which the Redskins set an NFL record by scoring five touchdowns in the second quarter. Williams completed 18 of 29 passes for 340 yards, with four touchdown passes, and was named Super Bowl MVP.

Williams, IMO, never got his due. Never got the endorsement deals that I think a White Quarterback who did what he did, would have gotten. I believed it then; I believe it now.

Rahm’s message for progressive Democrats and Sarah Palin

The video:

Someone pointed out…she had the questions and STILL needed a cheatsheet?

I keep on asking the question:

what if a Black PROFESSIONAL politician had done something like this?

Uh huh.

thank you aleth:

for Sarah Palin:

Notes on your hand
Notes on your hand
Lookin’ like a fool
With the notes on your hand

You got your big speaking fee
Call yourself smart
But you can’t answer the man
Without the notes on your hand!

Winkin’, smirkin’,
Mocking Obama
But your answers are canned
You got the notes on your hand!

Wash your hands!
Get some Purell!
Because you’re lookin’ like a fool
With the notes on your hand!

Good Morning.

As you spend this weekend with family and friends, don’t forget JJP.

Drop those links. Engage in debate. Give us trivia and gossip too.

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Debra Janine “Debi” Thomas (born March 25, 1967) is an American figure skater and physician. She is the 1986 World champion and 1988 Olympic bronze medalist, having taken part in the Battle of the Carmens at those games.

Thomas burst onto the national stage by winning the 1986 United States Nationals.

Her Winning Performance from the 1986 World Championships

1986 World Exhibition Performance

Going into the 1988 Winter Olympics, the setup began with Thomas winning the 1988 United States Championship

The Short Program from the 1988 Winter Olympics

The Long Program from the 1988 Winter Olympics, where Thomas wound up winning the Bronze Medal.

As a young Black girl who was obsessed with figure skating, the appearance of Thomas on the scene was so inspirational, I can barely describe it. But, I always respected that she took her education so seriously and went onto become the doctor that she said she would become. That there was life after skating.

The country received some positive economic news on Friday as monthly labor statistics showed a decrease in the national unemployment rate from 10% to 9.7%. And though reports also showed a loss of 20,000 jobs in January, a much welcomed increase of 11,000 manufacturing jobs over that same period might be viewed as a positive step in the right direction.

via Bloomberg BusinessWeek:

by Timothy R. Homan

More than half a million Americans found work, a Labor Department report showed yesterday in Washington, helping push the jobless rate to the lowest since August. A separate survey of employers showed payrolls declined by 20,000 as construction companies and state and local governments cut back. . . .

Factory payrolls increased 11,000 in January, the biggest gain since April 2006, after falling 23,000 in the prior month. Economists projected a drop of 20,000. . . .

The underemployment rate — which includes part-time workers who’d prefer a full-time position and people who want work but have given up looking — fell to 16.5 percent from 17.3 percent.

However, it is important to note that the African-American unemployment rate is currently at 16.5%. You can read a summary and breakdown of the jobs report by visiting the Bureau of Labor Statistics here.

via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

by Ann Belser
While the unemployment rate for white people declined from 9 percent to 8.7 percent, the rate for black people grew from 16.2 percent to 16.5 percent, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday. . .

While the unemployment rate for black teenagers improved 4.6 percentage points, it remained at a shocking 43.8 percent in January. The jobless rate for white teenagers was 23.5 percent in January.

Still focusing on the needs of the unemployed, the President was not satisfied. Speaking to a group in Lanham, MD, the President called the economic news a cause for “hope, not celebration.”  And in his latest weekly address President Obama outlined some of the steps he is taking to help small businesses get back on their feet and become a source for job growth moving forward.

The President listed several of his proposals for small businesses, stating:

“Because financing remains difficult for good credit worthy small businesses across the country, I’ve proposed that we take thirty billion dollars from the TARP fund originally used for Wall Street and create a new small business lending fund that will provide capital for community banks on Main Street. These are the small local banks that will be able to give our small business owners more of the credit they need to stay afloat. And we should also continue to waive fees, increase guarantees, and expand the size of SBA-backed loans for small businesses. And yesterday, I proposed making it easier for small business owners to refinance their mortgages during these tough times. To give these companies greater incentives to grow and create jobs, I‘ve proposed a new tax credit for more than one million small businesses that hire new workers or raise wages, as well as the elimination of all capital gains taxes on small business investment. Finally, we should provide targeted support to the most innovative small businesses; the ones with the greatest potential to export new goods and products all over the world.”

On Friday, the President spoke of the economic news and his policy proposals during a press conference in Lanham, MD. Here is the video from that event:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Good Morning.

As you spend this weekend with family and friends, don’t forget JJP.

Drop those links. Engage in debate. Give us trivia and gossip too.

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The next day is when the fun began.

It was ‘revealed’ that Cohen had been involved in ‘domestic dispute’ with a girlfriend. Not your run of the mill girlfriend either.

From TPM.com:

Cohen has come under fire for allegations of domestic violence, involving a 2005 arrest for allegedly holding a knife to a then-girlfriend’s throat.
…………………….

From the Capitol Fax:

Friday, Feb 5, 2010

* Illinois political reporters are just so much more versatile than our counterparts in most other states. We cover it all, man.

Today is no exception, the Chicago Tribune has found Scott Lee Cohen’s ex-girlfriend, who was once convicted of prostitution and had Cohen arrested for domestic abuse. Apparently, Amanda Eneman is still with the same massage outfit, which has relocated to Villa Park, and she didn’t want to be found…

At that point, the reporter gave the [massage parlor employer] his Tribune business card and asked her to have Eneman call him. Later Thursday, a woman called the reporter’s desk and left a voice-mail message, stating: “Hi. I received your business card. You’re looking for me. I don’t know exactly what it could be that you need to find me. I would appreciate that you make no further contact to locate me. Thank you.”

Ms. Eneman obviously doesn’t read the papers.

The story takes a comic turn…

Later Thursday, another reporter returned to the massage parlor and encountered two women, including one who fit Eneman’s physical description. The reporter addressed that woman as “Mandi,” and asked to talk to her. She said nothing, but another woman with her yelled, “Quick–run to the car!” and told the reporter they wanted nothing to do with the story.

I thought Cohen said that if this woman was found she’d be glad to tell her story? Oh, well.

The Trib has lots more on Eneman’s arrest and Cohen’s ever-changing story…

While Cohen has not given a detailed timeline for his relationship with Eneman, his statements indicate that he likely met her around April 2005. Glenview police shut the spa down after the April 22 arrests, and Cohen has said that his relationship with Eneman lasted “five or six months.” The incident that led to the battery charge occurred Oct. 14, about six months after her arrest. She pleaded guilty Oct. 27 to the prostitution charge, meaning she was charged and dealing with that case while they lived together at Cohen’s Gold Coast apartment.

When the Tribune first asked Cohen about the relationship on Wednesday, Cohen said through a spokesman that he met her in a bar. But Thursday he acknowledged that he met her at Eden Spa. Cohen said Thursday that the first explanation was a misstatement by his spokesman.

Now, it’s hard to feel sorry for the Illinois Democratic Party. It’s not like this stuff was hidden. If they had done a complete criminal background check of the pawnbroker turned politician, they would have found out this information. In this day and age, and good Private Investigator would turn up this sort of information quick.

Now, the following Illinois Pols have requested that Cohen step down:

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin today called for embattled lieutenant governor nominee Scott Lee Cohen to drop out.

Madigan, who hadn’t commented publicly since Tuesday’s election of Cohen as the Democratic running mate for Gov. Pat Quinn, issued a statement late this afternoon condemning Cohen.

“Scott Lee Cohen should step aside immediately. It is clear that he is unfit to hold public office. The fact that he thinks he’s ‘done nothing wrong’ just proves that,” the statement read.

“His ex-wife and court and police records confirm that he has a recent history of violence against women. His alleged failure to pay child support and his admitted use of steroids are just a few other examples of his complete lack of judgment. This conduct is inappropriate for a public official, and his extreme character flaws are an insult to the people of Illinois,” said Madigan, who is on the statewide ticket with Cohen.

Four other Democrats today also called on Cohen to step down: Durbin, Illinois comptroller candidate David Miller and U.S. Reps. Danny Davis of Chicago and Phil Hare of the Quad Cities.

“People clearly needed the media or other politicians to ask the hard questions before the election. Certainly his background is worrisome, it’s troubling,” Durbin said. “I don’t believe he will be lieutenant governor. I hope that he’ll sit down with some people that he trusts with good political judgment who will tell him what’s ahead. This is not going to go away. It’s just going to reach a point where he ultimately will realize he can’t be lieutenant governor.”

Now, you know who isn’t among those calling for Cohen to step down, and a silent voice that I find oh-so-curious:

Head of the Illinois Democratic Party and Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Massa Michael Madigan.

Now, call me crazy, but….

The gentleman that came in second place, his name is Arthur Turner. Longtime, loyal Democratic party pol. He put in his time. He paid his dues. He’s African-American. Was told by the ‘ Party’, that this was his ‘ time’. Now, the Lt. Governor doesn’t exactly DO anything in Illinois, but, it would be a statewide office, and would be a stepping stone for other statewide political offices. The Secretary of State of Illinois is up there in age, and I can’t see him running for another term if he wins this time, so with Lt. Governor under his belt, Turner would have been a good choice to run for that position in 4 years. He was qualified, and put in his ‘time’, but he had no money and very little advertising. So, the ‘Party’ doesn’t give him ANY help, and the pawn broker who puts up nearly 2 MILLION of his own money, wins the Primary.

Massa Madigan despises Pat Quinn. He wouldn’t have been upset if Quinn had lost to Dan Hynes, who was one of his. Of course, he wanted his DAUGHTER (our Attorney General) to run for the office, but even for Illinois, the thought of 2 out of 3 of the most powerful positions in the state to be in ONE FAMILY, was a bit too much.

So, Massa Madigan is silent as this Cohen fellow more than likely would SINK the electoral chances of Governor Pat Quinn, because the Governor and Lt. Governor are a package deal in Illinois – they are NOT voted on separately. Madigan would be able to hide behind the ‘ it’s a Republican Governor’ excuse for why he’s not doing shyt if Quinn is defeated. Especially if the guy holding the lead in the GOP Gubertorial Primary comes out on top – Bill Brady – a stone cold right-winger.

I didn’t earlier in the day, but I do now feel bad for Turner – played for a sucker all along by Madigan. Thought his years of loyal service actually meant something.

A Discussion of this subject on tonight’s Hardball.

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I disagree with Lynn Sweet’s opinion on the ‘ weakness’ of the State Democratic Party. They supported strongly who they wanted to; and left others to wither on the vine. I DO however agree with Jim Warren – the drop in what qualifies as journalism is obvious. Remember, we are the state, in as late as 2004, that had 2 Senate candidates drop out because of problems in candidates’ personal lives that were discovered because of investigative reporting. That this guy was allowed to skate during the primaries is pathetic.

It’s quite possible that the Governorship and Senate Seat could go into Republican hands this year, and of course, they will try and tar the President with that.

Here’s a nice roundup of the Cohen situation- The Scott Lee Cohen Trainwreck.