Windy City Times has learned that State Rep. Greg Harris, who is openly gay, has endorsed incumbent State Sen. Heather Steans over challenger Jim Madigan in the 7th District race.
Harris told the blog Your Two Cents that Steans "has been a strong advocate for lesbian, gay and trans [ gender ] issues in Springfield, worked hard behind the scenes in the last few months to preserve funding for HIV/AIDS services in Illinois and is well thought of in the district as well."
Steans said in a statement that "Greg has been a true mentor and guiding force for me in Springfield. He is a voice for progressive policy change, most notably in human rights and health care reform. And I look forward to our continued fight for marriage equality."
Madiganwho will be the first openly gay individual in the state senate if electede-mailed Windy City Times, "An incumbent Democratic legislator will have the endorsement of the organizations who rely on Springfield for funding, as well as other elected officials within the party. I expect, understand and respect that.
"While I appreciate Rep. Harris' opinions on this race, I would think he, more than many, would realize how vital it is for all communities to be directly represented. I have worked hard all my life to put myself through college and law school, stand up for women's equality, and be an advocate for underserved populations. I look forward to working hard during this election and winning the endorsement of the people of the 7th District." Madigan added that he "did not ask for or seek [ Harris' ] endorsement."
The primary election will take place February 2010.