Jacob Meister—an openly gay man who has practiced law in Chicago for nearly 20 years and has had government experience at the federal, state county and municipal levels—is a Democratic candidate for the Illinois U.S. Senate seat that will open in 2010, according to a campaign press release. The primary election will be held Feb. 2.

Meister is an experienced litigator in areas including banking regulation, interstate commerce, telecommunications and other important public and business issues. Prior to his legal career, he worked on Capitol Hill for Congressman Jim Moody and for the Wisconsin Senate Judiciary and Consumer Affairs Committee in Madison.

"I'm in the race because it's time to take back Illinois politics from career politicians and others associated with the city and state political machines," Meister said. "It's time to send someone with a progressive vision and real-world experience to Washington to work for the people of Illinois."

Others vying for the seat currently held by Roland Burris include State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and former city Inspector General David Hoffman, both Democrats, and Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk.

Meister's Web site is MeisterForSenate.com.