SPRINGFIELD -- A Republican candidate has dropped out of the U.S. Senate race, saying he wants to avoid splitting Illinois conservatives.

Businessman Eric Wallace said Tuesday that it's important to keep frontrunner Mark Kirk from winning the Republican nomination. He says that won't happen if other candidates split the conservative vote.

Eight Republicans have filed for the Senate race, but Kirk has the backing of many party leaders and more name recognition because of his service in the U.S. House.

Kirk has drawn significant criticism from conservatives for his support of abortion rights and his vote for a "cap and trade" energy plan.