Sure, Jared Huffman has been racking up the endorsements with a fury, but none of these seem quite so apropos as today’s: He has been blessed by none other than that pillar of Dem/Progdom, Rep. Barney Frank!

Why so? Simply put, because the Democratic establishment candidate to succeed Rep. Mike Thompson as our representative in the House this year has been a bit outflanked of late.

Norman Solomon is still in the game pretty big, and that means a good portion of the Democracy Now! listenership is forever lost to Huffman. Then again, you’ve got Stacey Lawson coming on strong with key factions of the left — Aquarians, presumably, but also non-males. Sen. Noreen Evans’ endorsement was a good little boost for her. 

Huffman has gotta be hoping that this Frank nod shores up some of the erosion on his left. When Barney talks, people listen! Take that, Sean Penn! Et tu, Donahue?

But it would be curious to know how the Huffman people arranged this thing on behalf of their candidate — who is not much known in Washington, unless I am mistaken.

Campaign press release follows:

Today, longtime Congressman and equal rights advocate Barney Frank (D- MA 4) announced his endorsement of Assemblymember Jared Huffman in the race for the open 2nd Congressional District in California.  Congressman Frank will join Huffman for campaign events in Marin and Sonoma counties on May 6th.  Details on the events with Congressman Frank are available at Huffman’s campaign website, www.jaredhuffman.com/events. 

“Jared’s ability to get things done and his firm commitment to equality will make him a very valuable addition to the U.S. House,” said Congressman Barney Frank. 

Congressman Frank is the Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee and an outspoken leader of core democratic issues in Congress. Additionally, Congressman Frank is known as a champion on LGBT issues, including the successful fight to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

“I am honored to have the endorsement of Congressman Barney Frank, who has been a tireless advocate for democratic values in Washington.  His leadership on equal rights, among many other key issues, is an inspiration,” said Huffman.

In the Assembly, Jared has earned a career 100% voting record with Equality California. Among other things, he has voted for legislation to ensure marriage equality, recognize out-of-state same sex marriages, prohibit discrimination against transgendered individuals, and create  “Harvey Milk Day”.