The American Civil Liberties Union has hired a consulting firm started by the Illinois Republican Party's former chairman to help with efforts to legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois.
Pat Brady left his GOP post earlier this year after he said he supported gay marriage. He later started what he describes as a government affairs firm with Matt Strawn, the former chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa.
It's called Next Generation Public Affairs, Inc.
The firm announced Tuesday that it'll help the ACLU's Illinois chapter lobby GOP lawmakers. So far, two Illinois Republicans say they're in favor.
Same-sex marriage legislation is expected in the fall. Efforts earlier this year stalled when the bill's sponsor in the Illinois House said it didn't have the needed support. He didn't call it for a vote.
