Schneiderman Endorsed by L.I. Gay Group

Eric Schneiderman, a Democratic candidate for attorney general in New York, received the endorsement of Long Island's largest LGBT organization Sunday, adding to his long roster of support from out elected officials and gay political clubs.

The endorsement from Equality Long Island cited Schneiderman's record as a state senator, including his support for hate crimes and nondiscrimination laws, and his sponsorship of an antibullying bill, the Dignity for All Students Act, that passed this year and is expected to be signed into law soon by Gov. David Paterson.

Schneiderman, who represents parts of Manhattan and the Bronx in the senate, recently won the coveted primary endorsement of The New York Times. His LGBT support also includes endorsements from the Empire State Pride Agenda, Marriage Equality New York, four of the city's LGBT political clubs, and the out elected officials New York state senator Tom Duane and New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.

Positioned as a progressive candidate in a five-way Democratic primary, Schneiderman faces opponents including Nassau County district attorney Kathleen Rice, widely perceived as the front-runner in a competitive race. His endorsement from Equality Long Island represents a step into her suburban territory.