State Sen. Donne Trotter isn't going to let a gun charge derail his plans to become the next congressman from Illinois.
"I do intend on staying in the race at this time and I'm going to continue to campaign for the people in the second Congressional District," he said Thursday evening outside his home in the South Chicago neighborhood.
Trotter, who has been a state lawmaker for 24 years and who voted against conceal-carry legislation, was arrested Wednesday and charged with a felony after he allegedly tried to go through security with a .25 caliber pistol and bullets in his luggage.
He had little to say to reporters as he walked out of the Cook County Criminal Courts building Thursday after posting the required 10 percent of a $25,000 bond.
That changed later in the evening, and though he declined to comment on the charges against him, he said he's been overwhelmed by the support he's received in the last couple of days.
"I've had nothing but support, overwhelming support, humbling support from people at this time," Trotter said before heading off to a meeting with constituents.
The lawmaker said he was treated professionally by staffers at the Cook County Jail, where he spent Wednesday evening prior to his appearance in bond court earlier Thursday.
Still, he said of the experience: "I wouldn't want to share it with anyone."
