10 Gay and Lesbian NYC Politicians to Endorse Clinton

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton just formally accepted an endorsement from the Human Rights Campaign on Sunday, and now she's lined up endorsements from 10 gay and lesbian New York elected officials, according to the New York Daily News.

Those expected to back Clinton are from both state and city politics, including state Sen. Brad Hoylman, a Manhattan Democrat and the state's only out senator, as well as gay and lesbian Assembly members Deborah Glick (D-Manhattan), Daniel O'Donnell (D-Manhattan), Harry Bronson (D-Rochester), and Matthew Titone (D-Staten Island).

Out City Council members James Vacca, Daniel Dromm, Corey Johnson, Rosie Mendez, and Jimmy Van Bramer are also expected to endorse Clinton, along with groups including the Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens, the Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn, and the Gay and Lesbian Independent Democrats.

After Clinton secured the endorsement of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest and most powerful LGBT advocacy group, she faced accusations from opponent Bernie Sanders that it represented a decison by the group's leadership, which he said are part of the "political establishment," not the "grassroots." However LGBT voters are vigorously debating whether Sanders is the better choice, citing his stronger voting record when it comes to LGBT issues. While both were senators, HRC consistently gave Sanders higher marks on its congressional scorecard, for example, winning a 100 percent rating.

Titone acknowledged Clinton was slower to embrace issues such as same-sex marriage, telling the Daily News that, "I am glad Hillary Clinton has come around on LGBT issues. I am supporting her because I believe she will be the most capable in implementing an agenda that benefits all hard working families and the diverse people of our great nation."

Holyman praised Clinton for hiring the first out gay campaign manager for a presidential election, Robby Mook, calling it "the icing on the cake."

On Monday CNN reported that Clinton still leads Sanders in national polls, 52 percent to 38 percent among registered Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents, but her lead is shrinking. The Real Clear Politicspolling average in Iowa shows Clinton with 46 percent support, versus 45.4 percent for Sanders. The caucus there is scheduled for February 1.