Pat Brady 130827 abk
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The American Civil Liberties Union is hoping to pass same-sex marriage in Illinois with the help of a new lobbyist- the former head of the state Republican Party. IPR's Alex Keefe reports.
The A-C-L-U is trying to woo Republicans in the State House. Enter Pat Brady - who resigned his chairmanship in May, following a controversy sparked by his own public support for same-sex marriage. Brady says he’s hoping to get the bill passed this fall.
BRADY: “Liberty, freedom and equality under the law are all things that Republicans and conservatives have believed in for a long, long time. So I don’t have any qualms with that, and I really excited to help work with them.”
Brady also says he’ll help raise cash for Republicans who are targeted for voting yes. But David Smith - with the conservative Illinois Family Institute - says he doesn’t think that will change the vote count - especially before next year’s primary.
"No lawmakers wants to be on record supporting a highly controversial issue like this and give ammunition to a possible opponent."
Democratic Governor Pat Quinn has said he’ll sign the same-sex marriage bill if it passes the House.