* Politico…

State Sen. Daniel Biss is pulling out of contention in the Democratic primary for Illinois Comptroller, making way for Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza, two top Democratic sources told POLITICO Illinois. […]

“We’ve known Dan Biss since his time in the House. We’ve worked with him. He’s a good, solid Democrat,” said Madigan spokesman and Illinois Democratic Party spokesman Steve Brown. “We’re just happy there’s not a primary. The party is always stronger when there aren’t primary battles.”

Biss could not immediately be reached for comment.

Madigan had foiled Biss at just about every turn. The county party chairmen’s endorsement of Mendoza was a major blow.

Brown told me he was told earlier today that Biss wouldn’t file petitions come Monday. So, this story seems pretty legit and I’ve also been able to confirm it.

* But here’s how Biss responded via text after I asked if he was out of the race…

We’ll see…will have more for you on this by Sunday night.

*** UPDATE *** Tribune…

State Sen. Daniel Biss of Evanston on Sunday dropped his bid for the Democratic nomination for state comptroller, paving the way for Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza to challenge Republican Leslie Munger in next year’s general election.

Biss, a member of the legislature since 2011, said he had decided to drop out of the race to avoid a divisive primary contest that he thought would endanger Democratic efforts to capture the comptroller’s office.

“It was getting to be a more expensive and divisive battle,” Biss said. “I don’t think that’s what the party needs right now. There’s a bigger cause right now.”

Biss said he had set a deadline of Sunday afternoon to make a decision on whether to run. Monday marks the start of the one week filing period for most candidates in the March 15 primary to file candidacy nominating petitions with the Illinois State Board of Elections.