UPDATE: Per Frank Schubert of Schubert Flint, the Maine campaign going to run “just like California’s was”.

We all know exactly what THAT means!!

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This press release from Maine Freedom To Marry just hit the inbox today, emphasis mine:

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug 6 2009

Contact: Mark Sullivan, Communications Director, (207)899-1330

NO on 1/Protect Maine Equality Signs Code of Fair Campaign Practices, Calls on Opposition to Endorse Standard of Ethics

“We invite our opponents to join us and deliver the kind of campaign that Maine voters want and deserve”

Portland, Maine (Thursday, August 6, 2009)—Today, the NO on 1/Protect Maine Equality campaign signed a code of campaign ethics and practices based on the 2008 Maine Code of Fair Campaign Practices (21-A M.R.S.A. § 1101(2)) and asked opponents to sign pledge and join NO on 1 in conducting a civil campaign Maine voters have come to expect.

The pledge (see attached) was adapted to suit ballot initiatives and was FAXed to Frank Schubert of the California-based Shubert Flint Public Affairs who opponents have identified as managing their campaign to strip away marriage equality.  The 2008 Maine Code of Campaign Practices is routinely signed by candidates running for public office in the state. The letter and pledge was also sent to Marc Mutty, the public affairs director for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Maine.

“Maine has a longstanding tradition of campaigns that do not engage in mudslinging, lies, distortions and the politics of division,” said Jesse Connolly, Campaign Manager for NO on 1/Protect Maine Equality.  “Maine voters expect us to take the high road, avoid poisonous attacks, and make our case based on fact and principle.  Today, NO on 1 pledged to abide by that high standard, and we invite our opponents to join us and deliver the kind of campaign that Maine voters want and deserve.”

In a June 18th article in the Portland Press Herald, Mr. Mutty, of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Maine, stated that marriage equality opponents have hired Schubert Flint “to run the campaign.”  Schubert Flint is the same firm that ran the $39 million Prop 8 campaign which overturned marriage equality in California in November 2008.

Connolly’s letter to Schubert reads:

“As we embark on the campaign to preserve marriage equality in Maine, it seems both ethical and important that we agree on the terms and tenor of this engagement. I am not sure whether or not there is a similar procedure in your home state of California.  But in Maine, our campaigns, while not lacking in rigor or enthusiasm, operate in an atmosphere of mutual respect and in a distortion-free zone. I look forward to seeing you soon on the campaign trail here in Maine.”

“I hope that our opponents will join us and sign the pledge,” Connolly said.  “By agreeing to abide by these standards, we will ensure a campaign in which we can all take pride.  Marriage equality in Maine is about our commitment to fairness and justice.  And in the end, it’s what voters both expect and deserve.”

The ball is now in the opposition’s court. Let’s see what they decide to do with it.