Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gaye Symington received the endorsement Thursday of Democracy For America, the political group created by Vermont's former governor and current Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean.

"I'm honored to receive the endorsement of Democracy for America which is such a strong force for change in our party and our nation," said Symington of the endorsement.  "Their support is crucial because my victory depends on waging the kind of effective grassroots campaign that DFA is known for.  I'm very grateful that DFA has chosen to stand with me in this effort to bring Vermont the change it needs."

The DFA said in a statement that it decided to throw its support behind Symington, the House Speaker, because of her work in the state's legislature on school funding, healthcare, civil rights, boosting the state's rural economy and improving energy efficiency.

"Gaye Symington is a fantastic candidate with a long record of achievement," Jim Dean, chair of DFA and brother of the former governor, said in a statement Thursday.  "Democracy for America is proud to endorse her campaign." 

The DFA's executive director Arshad Hasan added: "In Vermont, we face challenges like job creation and infrastructure investment, repair, and renewal. Only Gaye Symington offers Vermonters a real, progressive vision and plan."

Democracy For America, which has its headquarters in Burlington, is made up more than 725,000 members nationwide. For candidates the DFA has endorsed, the group brings in donations from progressives and rallies volunteers to participate in voter out-reach.

Along with the DFA, Symington has been endorsed by the Planned Parenthood of Northern New England PAC, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Vermont Teamsters Local 1 and Local 597.

Symington's Independent challenger Anthony Pollina has also received several coveted endorsements from some of Vermont largest unions like the Vermont State Employees Association, the Vermont AFL-CIO (the state's second largest labor group), and the recommendation of Vermont National Education Association (the state's largest union).

The incumbent, Republican Jim Douglas, has so far received the endorsement of the Professional Firefighters of Vermont.