ACLU Hires Former Iowa GOP Chair for Illinois Gay Marriage Effort

CHICAGO - The American Civil Liberties Union has hired a consulting firm started by the Iowa Republican Party's former chairman to help with efforts to legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois.

Former Iowa GOP chairman Matt Strawn started a government affairs firm earlier this year with Pat Brady. Brady left his post as GOP chairman in Illinois to start the firm.

The company, Next Generation Public Affairs, Inc., has been retained by the ACLU's Illinois chapter to provide strategic advice on marriage equality, part of which includes a lobbying effort in Illinois headed up by Brady. Strawn is not a registered lobbyist in any state.

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 said the legislation didn't have the needed support.