By Illinois Public Radio
Springfield, Ill. – The Illinois Senate rejected Governor Rod Blagojevich's pick to head the Illinois Commerce Commission on Thursday.
Marty Cohen, a consumer advocate, had faced an uphill battle in his confirmation process.
State Senator Ricky Hendon, who chairs the panel that deals with government appointments, said Wednesday the choice of the long-time consumer advocate was troubling because Cohen has spent years opposing utility companies when he headed the Citizens' Utility Board.
"He has too many conflicts when he comes to being chair of the ICC for us to move him forward," Hendon said, adding Cohen would not be fair in decisions such as rate making.
But Cohen says the debate over his appointment shows utilities have too much influence in the legislature.
The Chicago native and Washington University graduate had earlier in the day lost a vote in Hendon's committee.
That vote there was 7-0 against confirming Cohen, with 2 Republicans voting present.
Cohen has been on the job six weeks awaiting confirmation.