This latest news was released this morning.

The group opposing a peoples’ veto drive on Maine’s new same-sex marriage law has hired a longtime congressional aide to serve as its communications director.

Mark Sullivan first began working for former U.S. Rep. Tom Allen in 1995, originally on his election campaign and then as a congressional staffer.

“Mark is a seasoned professional known by the Maine media for his responsiveness, honesty and reliability,” said Jesse Connolly, campaign manager for NO on 1/Protect Maine Equality, in a release this morning. “He will be a tremendous asset as our campaign reaches out across Maine with our message that marriage equality honors commitment, strengthens families, protects children and reflects traditional Maine values of justice and fairness.”

Sullivan had a few things to say as well.

“I am excited about this opportunity to work with the outstanding NO on 1/Protect Maine Equality team,” said Sullivan. “I feel passionately about marriage equality as an issue of basic fairness and justice for all Maine people. I look forward to a vigorous campaign based on facts and principles, not misleading propaganda and personal attacks.”

Sullivan brings alot of Maine experience and knowledge to the table:

A 1973 graduate of Old Dominion University, Sullivan has lived in Maine for more than 30 years. From 1982 to 1987, he worked in state government, serving as director of the Governor’s Land & Water Resources Council and Deputy Commissioner of the Maine Department of Conservation.  

In 1986, he was executive director of the commission that recommended creation of the Land for Maine’s Future program. In 1995, Sullivan worked on the first Maine Won’t Discriminate campaign. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Maine Lesbian Gay Political Alliance from 1995 to 2000.

Beginning in December 1995, Sullivan worked on Tom Allen’s first campaign for Congress, serving as Communications Director in both the successful primary and general election campaigns.  Following Allen’s election, Sullivan joined his congressional staff as Communications Director in January 1997. In 2006, Allen added the title “Senior Policy Advisor” to Sullivan’s job description to reflect the wider role he played within the congressional staff.

Welcome news indeed!