Biss Drops Comptroller Campaign

State Sen. Daniel Biss, D-Evanston has dropped out of the race for comptroller of Illinois.

Biss cited what would be a “divisive” and “expensive” primary between him and Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza as reasons for backing, offering his full support to Mendoza instead.

Evanston Now published the state senator’s letter to supporters. He noted that he and Mendoza have “similar position on many issues” and a lot of allies in common.

“Plenty of those allies supported me, and lots supported her,” Biss wrote in part.

“As time went on, Susana was able to secure the support of many of the most powerful entities in Illinois Democratic politics. This left me frankly quite uncertain about our chances of success, but one thing was very clear to me: in order to win, I’d need to wage an extraordinarily expensive, very divisive campaign. It was a sure-fire recipe for all sides to squander resources and generate ill will.”

Among those powerful entities is Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, who has endorsed Mendoza.

Biss had raised about $1.5 million for the comptroller’s race, according to Evanston Now.

The winner of the Democratic primary, presumable Mendoza, will face incumbent Republican Leslie Munger in next year’s special election.

Biss plans to seek re-election to his state senate seat instead.