Steve Schmidt

Steve Schmidt, a senior adviser to John McCain in his run for president in 2008, suggested in April 2009, that the Republican party should support same sex marriage. Schmidt stated that "People are turned off in large measure by what they see as intolerance coming out of the party", and that he believes that there is a strong argument that allowing same sex marriage is in line with the conservative principle of "keeping government out of people's private lives."CNNPolitics: GOP Should Back Same-Sex Marriage (April 17, 2009)

Steve Schmidt, began working for [John McCain's campaign for president in 2008 as a senior adviser. On July 2, 2008, it was announced that he would assume day-to-day responsibility campaign operations. While campaign manager Rick Davis would maintain his position, and Schmidt would report to Davis, the rest of the campaign would report directly to Schmidt.Politico: Schmidt Takes Control of Day-to-Day Operation (July 2, 2008) Schmidt's new responsibility as being in charge of day-to-day operations means that he will oversee the campaign's message and public image, and its organization and scheduling.Politico: Schmidt Takes Control of Day-to-Day Operation (July 2, 2008) Schmidt is a veteran of both the Bush 2004 re-election campaign and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's 2006 re-election campaign.