Blago nominee for utility regulator faces opposition

The head of the Senate committee that must approve Governor Rod Blagojevich's nominee for head state utility regulator says the nominee should consider withdrawing.

Last month, Blagojevich nominated prominent consumer advocate Martin Cohen as chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission. Cohen is former director of the Citizens Utility Board.
Democratic State Senator Rickey Hendon of Chicago said yesterday that there's bipartisan concern Cohen might not be impartial on utility rate increase requests. Hendon co-chairs the Senate Executive Appointments Committee.

Cohen has insisted he'll be evenhanded and Blagojevich is standing by the nomination. The governor says consumers need an advocate on the I-C-C.

Cohen could face a Senate vote next week.

Cohen can be nothing but good news for the consumers of Illinois. I hope the legislators who are more beholden to the utility companies than the citizens they represent don't scuttle his nomination.