* The forum was held over the weekend, but they released the results last night…

NEW Results of straw poll after Democratic Governor Candidates Chicago Women’s Forum:
Biss 46%
Pritzker 29%
Kennedy 23%
Hardiman .7%#ILGov18 pic.twitter.com/oeBm8vVOVn

— Mary Ann Ahern (@MaryAnnAhernNBC) December 12, 2017

* From Mary Ann’s story…

Biss spokesman Thomas Elliott says “These results show that Democratic primary voters are looking for a middle-class progressive with government experience to lead our state forward, and Daniel Biss is that candidate.

“And while the Democratic establishment would like to coronate an inexperienced billionaire and ’shut down’ this competitive primary, we’re taking our case directly to the voters. We’re building a grassroots movement of people across the state who want someone they trust to represent them, not the status quo.”

Elliott added that he believes Illinois residents are responding to Biss’s message about building a state government that “works for them, not the wealthy and well-connected.”

The coronation line is probably right, but it doesn’t look like they’re trying to physically shut down Biss’ campaign. Starve it of money, yes. But if I was the Pritzker campaign, I’d want Biss (and everyone else) to stay in the race to split the coronation opposition vote with Kennedy.

I mean, heck, nobody even challenged Terry Getz’s petitions by yesterday’s deadline, even though he told me not long ago he didn’t file a single signature and then never convinced anyone to be his running mate.

…Adding… Apparently, nobody had to do anything…

Terry Getz did not pass apparent conformity review and has been sent a letter with an opportunity to address the Board. He will not appear on the ballot.

— Ed Mullen (@edmullen3) December 12, 2017

* Related…

* Biss: Time to think bigger on revenue options: That’s why we need to think bigger than J.B. We can implement a financial transaction tax, which would place a fraction-of-a-penny fee on every transaction on LaSalle Street. We can close the carried interest loophole to prevent the wealthiest Illinoisans from evading taxes. I’ve worked toward both of these policies in the Senate, and will continue fighting for them as governor.