Chris Kennedy out of Senate race

Merchandise Mart CEO Chris Kennedy, son of the late Robert F. Kennedy, has decided not to run for Senate despite floating his potential bid for months.

In a letter making the announcement, Kennedy said, "I realize that I would rather be a good husband and a good father than a good Washington politician."

Kennedy's exit from the Democratic Senate primary does reduce the chance of a highly divided primary, but that potential still exists with Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and Chicago Urban League CEO Cheryle Jackson, former spokeswoman for Rod Blagojevich, in the running.

National Democrats have been keen to avoid a divisive primary as they are expecting to face a well-funded U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk of Highland Park in the general election at a time when their party is suffering image issues in the wake of the arrest and ouster of Blagojevich from the governor's office, along with subsequent pushes for state tax hikes.