UPDATED at 1:43 p.m.; originally posted by John Chase at 8:55 a.m.
Democratic Senate candidate Jacob Meister dropped out of the race with two days to go and endorsed rival Alexi Giannoulias.
Meister, a lawyer who is openly gay, made his announcement this morning at a Giannoulias rally in Chicago.
Meister was having difficulty gaining much traction in the race. A recent Tribune poll showed him garnering only 1 percent of support.
During debates, Meister has defended Giannoulias against attacks made by rival David Hoffman. He also has taken exception to comments Hoffman has made about being the only candidate to be married with children. He said such comments were insulting to gays who are unable to legally marry.
Meister spokeswoman Karen Craven said Giannoulias has agreed to adopt some of Meister’s policy initiatives, including issues related to creating jobs and supporting civil rights for gays, lesbians, bi-sexuals and transgender citizens.
Giannoulias, the state treasurer, still faces former Chicago inspector general David Hoffman, former Chicago Urban League head Cheryle Jackson and radiologist Robert Marshall.
Because of how late the decision is being made, Meister’s name will still be on the ballot.