Thursday August 02, 2012 | 03:25 PM

The Southern Maine Labor Council voted this week to endorse a "yes" vote on Question 1 on the November ballot, which asks voters if they want to allow the state to issue marriage licenses to gay couples.

The labor council, led by the AFL-CIO of Maine, said they were proud to make the endorsement.

"Same-sex couples are working alongside us all over the state," said Alan Ray Churchill, council president. "These couples deserve the protections and responsibilities that only come with marriage."

The endorsement is no surprise, given the Maine Education Association has already expressed support for gay marriage. But just as candidates trickle out endorsements throughout the campaign, both sides are sure to do the same as they try to build momentum heading toward November.

Correction: An earlier version of this post misstated the position of the Maine State Employees Association, which has not taken a stance on gay marriage.

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Open Season targets all of Maine's political wildlife, from Portland city government to the donkeys, elephants and independents stalking the Statehouse and U.S. Capitol.

John Richardson joined the Press Herald in 1990 after working as a reporter in New Jersey. He has covered a variety of beats, including marine issues, the environment and health care. He is now covering politics and focusing on Maine's U.S. Senate race.
John can be reached at 791-6324 or jrichardson@pressherald.com
On Twitter: @jrichmaine

Colin Woodard has covered politics and elections for more than two decades, from Bosnia and Bucharest to Washington, D.C., Augusta, and Portland City Hall. He has written for a wide range of national and international publications and is the author of four books, including "American Nations," a history of North America's regional cultures. He joined the Portland Press Herald at the end of April and covers political finance and lobbying, among other things.
Colin can be reached at 791-6317 or cwoodard@pressherald.com

Susan Cover has covered Maine politics for 10 years and worked in Kansas, Ohio and Rhode Island as a reporter. This year, she is focusing on covering the same-sex marriage debate for MaineToday Media.
Susan can be reached at 621-5643 or scover@mainetoday.com

Michael Shepherd joined MaineToday Media in May 2012 after graduating from the University of Maine in Orono, where he edited The Maine Campus, the student newspaper there. Until November he'll be writing the Truth Test, a recurring feature analyzing political statements and advertising.
Michael can be reached at 621-5632 or mshepherd@mainetoday.com

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