Even though he may run in a primary without the DFL party's endorsement, former state Minority Leader Matt Entenza got the backing of the Stonewall DFL caucus.

A joint release from the caucus and his campaign said:

"Entenza has a long history of advocating for equal rights for all Minnesotans. Believing it's wrong for the government to allow some adults full rights as citizens and deny others those same rights, he co-authored the first Minnesota bill for marriage equality. He opposed a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. He supported domestic partner benefits for state employees and authored legislation to increase the penalties faced by those convicted of crimes based on sexual orientation."

Entenza was one of six DFL candidates to receive an "A" on his stands from the DFL lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, friends and allies caucus. The others receiving the highest grade were former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton, Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner, former State Sen. Steve Kelley, state Sen. John Marty and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. Three current members of the House -- Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Reps. Tom Rukavina and Paul Thissen -- all got Bs from the caucus.

The organization tends to send at least 25 to 30 delegates to the state party convention, said Del Jenkins, chair of the Stonewall DFL. Next year, the convention of about 1,300 delegates will be in April.

The groups endorsement is Entenza first nod from an institutional backer. While he has had nods from individuals, he had yet to receive any union backing or endorsements from organized groups.