It’s official — or about to become so. Sources close toState Senator Steve Cohen confide that he will formally file for the 9th District congressional seat at the Election Commission at 11 a.m. on Monday.
Cohen has just returned from Washington, D.C., where he discussed his imminent candidacy with representatives of several organizations, including the following: People for the American Way, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
The Memphis legislator, who made a previous race for the congressional seat in 1996, also consulted with pollsters and with veteran political pundits Stuart Rothenberg and Charlie Cook, among others.
UPDATE: On Saturday, April 1, Cohen sent this email to a network of friends, supporters, and fellow Democrats:
I’m announcing for the 9th congressional seat Monday @11a.m @the election commission.If possible please come/spread the word.
I’ll need all of your help. My 30 years of public service have brought me to this point. I’ve been in city,county, and state government. I’ve also been in the courts(in a good way) federal to local level. I know the city,the district,the issues etc. but most importantly I know how to legislate,to bring people together from different parties and backgrounds, and I know a little about life and what’s important,what counts, and to maintain your [principles] as that is what you should be about.
You’ve all befriended me for years.Thanks.One big step on Monday.
Sincerely, Steve….
