From the Carl Sciortino campaign, Aug. 28: The Bay State Stonewall Democrats have announced their endorsement of state Rep. Carl Sciortino in his bid for U.S. Congress in Massachusetts’ 5th District.

“There is a clear difference between the candidates in this race,” said the group’s co-chairman, Steve Iannaccone, “and Carl Sciortino’s unwavering commitment to the LGBT community in the State House made this endorsement an easy decision. His willingness to lead the tough fights and build the coalitions to win those fights is what gave him the edge in our endorsement process.”

Co-chairwoman Claire Naughton said, “Carl’s tireless work on LGBT issues, especially marriage equality and the Transgender Equal Rights Bill, were important factors when deciding to make this endorsement, and we are proud to support him in this race so he can bring that work to the U.S. House.”

Sciortino, of Medford, is co-founder of the Progressive Caucus in the State House, as well as author and chief sponsor of last year’s Transgender Equal Right Bill.