Alexi Giannoulias may have been the first statewide candidate to come out in favor of full and equal rights for Illinois' homosexual and transgender community, but he's not the last. Over the weekend, Tribune columnist Eric Zorn received an email from David Hoffman's spokesperson Daniel X. O'Neil elaborating on the Senate candidate's position:

David Hoffman does not believe the government should intrude or discriminate on the question of who people decide to marry and spend the rest of their lives together.  It's an issue of equality and fundamental fairness and all people -- regardless of sexual orientation -- should be provided the same protection under the law.

If elected, O'Neil also says Hoffman would support bills in Washington to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and the military's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy, positions he shares with Giannoulias. (While supportive of DOMA reforms, Cheryle Jackson thinks "civil unions as the best way to extend full civil rights to gay and lesbian partners.") Republican Senate candidate Mark Kirk opposes gay marriage and the repeal of both laws.

Gubernatorial candidate Dan Hynes is looking to distinguish himself from Gov. Pat Quinn on the issue of gay rights, as well. In an interview with Zorn, the comptroller said that “if two committed adults want to express their love and their commitment to each other through marriage, I believe they should be allowed to under civil law.” Quinn -- a civil unions proponent -- has not openly advocated in favor gay marriage.

That more high-profile candidates are taking a strong stance in support of gay marriage is welcome news. It should benefit them at the polls. A majority of Democrats back gay marriage now and public opinion is shifting toward acceptance of equal rights more broadly.