Hutchinson exits race for Jackson's US House seat

National

Chicago violence to plague next US attorney

Chicago’s next U.S. attorney faces a dilemma sprung from the twin evils bedeviling America’s third-largest city.Today 3:00 am

EU, US to launch historic trade talks

Talks on a sweeping trade deal between the European Union and the United States, the world’s two largest trading partners, are to get underway in Washington next month, President Barack Obama and top European Union officials said Monday.Today 3:00 am

Plans put women in combat

Women may be able to start training as Army Rangers by mid-2015 and as Navy SEALs a year later under plans set to be announced by the Pentagon that would slowly bring women into thousands of combat jobs, including those in elite special operationsToday 3:00 am

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois state Sen. Toi Hutchinson has dropped out of the race for the U.S. House seat vacated by Jesse Jackson Jr.

In a written statement, Hutchinson says she is throwing her support behind fellow Democrat Robin Kelly, a former state representative.

Hutchinson said Sunday that she did not want her candidacy to risk dividing the community at a time when it needs unity on issues such as gun violence.

Hutchinson had opposed tougher restrictions on guns. But she says the December school shooting in Newtown, Conn., persuaded her to moderate her views.

The 2nd congressional district includes parts of Chicago's South Side, which has been especially affected by gun violence. Jackson resigned in November and faces a federal conspiracy charge.

The Democratic primary will be held Feb. 26.