[img_assist|nid=1641|title=U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton|desc=Getty Images Photo|link=none|align=none|width=420|height=292]State House Speaker Gaye Symington had some weighty support thrown behind her campaign Monday as U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) endorsed the Democratic gubernatorial candidate.

Clinton flouted the speaker's recently unveiled initiatives on issues such as energy and education, as well as Symington's leadership skills as reason for the junior senator's support.

"Gaye Symington is the only candidate in the race who has laid out comprehensive plans to grow Vermont's economy by developing renewable energy sources, creating good green jobs, and building a skilled workforce through quality, affordable education," Clinton said in a statement.

Clinton added that Symington had worked toward implementing many policies important to the U.S. senator, citing health care, women's rights, education and working for the middle class.

Symington, who campaigned for Clinton during her nationwide race to sink the Democratic nomination for president earlier this year, expressed her gratitude for the senator's endorsement.

"I am honored to have Senator Clinton's support," said Symington. "Senator Clinton is a role model for public servants across the country."