Trotter to drop out of race to fill Jackson Jr.`s old seat
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CHICAGO (Sun-Times Media Wire) -
State Sen. Donne Trotter, one of the leading candidates in the 2nd District Congressional race before his arrest on a gun charge, is dropping out, according to several sources close to Trotter.
"Yes, he's out. I found out yesterday through Frank Zuccarelli," Bob Storman, spokesman for Thornton Township, told the Sun-Times, referring to the township supervisor and Democratic committeeman who had been a strong supporter of Trotter's. "He said he is stepping aside and he will make it official tomorrow with a news conference."
Other candidates in the race are jockeying behind the scenes, trying to get Trotter's endorsement, sources said.
"He doesn't want to tarnish the election and because he feels it would be unfair to the voters to be with this cloud hanging over his head, with all these issues," Storman said.
Storman said discussions were ongoing about whom Zuccarelli would put his support behind. Zuccarelli and his powerful committee organization had endorsed Trotter. In the crowded field, the township's support could mean needed money and foot soldiers behind just one candidate.
Storman said Zuccarelli was also working to thin out the cadre of candidates by encouraging some "lesser" candidates to drop out.
Trotter was arrested earlier this month after allegedly trying to take a handgun through a security checkpoint at O'Hare Airport.
Trotter has also told supporters that he made the decision to drop out of the race after the Sun-Times ran a story last week that reported Trotter tried to thwart state efforts to recoup a $1.25 million grant to a now-indicted ex-south suburban police chief.
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