[img_assist|nid=1672|title=Gubernatorial candidate Gaye Symington|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=175|height=130]Democratic gubernatorial candidate and House Speaker Gaye Symington clinched another endorsement Tuesday, nabbing the support of Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, transgender, and bi-sexual civil rights group.  

In a statement, Human Rights Campaign officials said the House Speaker was "a proven champion for LGBT equality" and "a strong advocate for LGBT equality."  

"I'm excited to have the support of the Human Rights Campaign, which is the nation's premier advocate for equal rights for all people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity," Symington, a long-time supporter of gay marriage, said in a statement. "I'm looking forward to working with them on my campaign and as Governor to promote fair treatment and equality for all Vermonters."

Symington's endorsements continue to expand, and the Human Rights Campaign joins the ranks of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England PAC, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), and Vermont Teamsters Local 1 and Local 597.

But Independent challenger Anthony Pollina has earned the coveted support of several of Vermont's largest unions, such as the Vermont State Employees Association, the Vermont AFL-CIO, and the recommendation of Vermont National Education Association.

Meanwhile, Professional Firefighters of Vermont has thrown its support behind incumbent Republican Gov. Jim Douglas.