The nation's largest advocate for gay,
lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights has endorsed Rahm Emanuel
for Chicago mayor.
The Human Rights Campaign reiterated
its support for Emanuel on Monday, the day before Chicagoans head to
the polls.
“HRC is proud to endorse Rahm Emanuel
for mayor,” Joe Solmonese, president of HRC, said in a statement.
“A former White House Chief of Staff
and member of Congress representing Chicago's northwest side, Rahm
has a consistent record of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender Americans.”
“While in Congress, Emanuel scored
100% on the HRC Congressional Scorecard for each of the three terms
he served. More recently, he was a key driver behind the president's
executive order on hospital visitation protections for same-sex
couples.”
“Having worked closely with Rahm over
the years to pass hate crimes legislation, extend hospital visitation
rights to LGBT couples, and pass 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal, I
know that his dedication to the LGBT community and his commitment to
fairness make him a stellar choice for mayor.”
While Emanuel is considered the
front-runner in the race, lawyer Gery Chico has gained significant
traction in the race's final weeks. After Illinois lawmakers
approved civil unions for gay and lesbian couples, Emanuel
and Chico
urged them to press on toward marriage.