The crowded field of candidates to replace U.S. Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. is getting smaller; Illinois State Senator Donne E. Trotter is dropping out of the race for the 2nd Congressional District.

Trotter’s congressional bid drew a lot of controversy after he was arrested at O’Hare International Airport for trying to board a plane with a gun on Dec. 5.

Bob Storman, a spokesman for Thornton Township Committeeman Frank Zucarelli (a strong supporter of Trotter’s), says the gun controversy hurt Trotter, but it didn’t help his cause that so many candidates are in the race.

“He feels for the sake of party unity, that he can lead by example and step aside,” said Storman. “And hopefully others will follow that suit and step aside and further unite the Democratic organization.”

Zucarelli also chaired the slating committee of Democratic Party leaders from Chicago’s South Side and south suburbs.

The panel failed to endorse a single candidate among a pool of 16 for the February 26th primary.

Storman says Trotter plans to talk to other candidates in the coming weeks.

The idea is to gather support behind one or two contenders, but Storman says Trotter hasn’t endorsed anyone yet.

Trotter did not return calls for comment.