Note: Bloggers have been urging our readers not to support the national Democratic committees who send money to Blue Dog Democrats and also until we see some action on LGBT issues. Donors should send money directly to candidates who clearly support 'full equality for the LGBT community'. This will be a first of a series of endorsement of candidates who support full equality for the LGBT community and if you chose, can comfortably support.

 As many of you know, I was a very strong supporter of Caroline Kennedy when this seat became vacant. There was a lot to be desired in that selection process and especially in the shabby treatment of Ms. Kennedy by a number of people. Quite honestly, I was upset at the selection of Congresswomen Kirsten Gillibrand and as a result shut my mind about the race figuring it would sort itself out over the next year and my voice wouldn't be needed.

I was wrong.

Since the entrance of former Tennessee Congressman Harold Ford into the race, I have spent the last several weeks finally doing my homework. The result is that I have discovered an extremely well-qualified candidate in Senator Gillibrand and one who has built a progressive record since she has been in the United States Senate. 

In an in-person meeting with the senator, we engaged in an intelligent conversation about terrorism and the failed nation state; quite honestly, I know of few others who were better informed or more open to new ideas than the personable Gillibrand. That meeting displayed a senator who understands power and is not afraid to use it for progressive causes. In a time when so many of our allies seem willing to roll over and play dead at the slightest hint of a struggle, she is a breath of fresh air.

First and foremost, she has proven herself to be a hardcore champion of full equality for LGBT people. She has engaged significantly in that battle. There is no question that in the Senate she has become one of the leading champions for the repeal of DADT and DOMA. She has urged hearings, endorsed and fought for marriage equality, urged the President to take more action, used her office to advance our cause and spoken out for the marriage equality legislation that was in the New York legislature. She has been a passionate defender for our freedom not only in words but deeds since taking her seat. Whatever doubts anyone had upon her appointment have to be erased by her tough and impressive actions on our behalf. She has pushed legislation and prodded the leadership calling them out on their slowness to respond to our needs. She has proven herself to be a champion of LGBT freedom. For that alone she deserves our support.

However, she has not limited her progressive agenda to just LGBT civil rights. In animal rights, she has fought for endangered species, insisted on truth in fur labeling and been involved in the use of animals in testing. In the environment, she has fought roll backs in the Clean Air Act, fought for climate change legislation and addressed detrimental health hazards to humans through dirty air, water and government inaction. After a shaky start on supporting the Afghanistan War, she has become one of the tougher questioners about our policy and its 'end-game'. Increasingly her voice on issues of terrorism and our foreign policy has been one of enlightenment and not falling in step with the party line.

In a very short period of time, rarely have I seen more growth, a more impressive record and a stronger commitment to progressive issues than Senator Gillibrand. She simply has earned our unqualified support.

If any of you still have doubts on what to do even after reviewing her record, the fact that Harold Ford might be her opposition should end them. This is not a time to play "Hamlet" in this race. Harold Ford has been wrong on almost any issue on the progressive agenda. This I can promise you: Kirsten Gillibrand has never, ever voted to put LGBT citizens in the Constitution of the United States to make them second class citizens. Harold Ford has voted to do it twice. That alone should settle the debate.

Harold Ford has the right to run. We also have a right early to inform the voters of his extremely conservative record and praise Gillibrand's efforts on behalf of the progressive causes. Without question, we should be supporting Kirsten Gillibrand for United States Senate. She has earned our support. She deserves our money, our time and our advocacy. Don't wait in this race until it is too late. Too much is at stake.