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A new 5-minute or so video produced by the National Organization for Marriage has popped up on the Protect Marriage Maine website.

A female narrator walks viewers through arguments for and against same-sex marriage, coming to the conclusion that it's best for society to promote traditional marriage, not gay marriage. The video, which is kind of a School House Rock tutorial, is in addition to new ads that were released today by gay marriage opponents.

Question 1 supporters have already fought back by releasing briefing memos to reporters to refute claims made in the ads. One features Vermont innkeepers and another a Canadian sportswriter who says he was fired for sending a Tweet in support of traditional marriage. Both ads can be found here.

In 2009, NOM provided gay-marriage opponents with nearly $2 million in funding for the successful campaign to overturn same-sex marriage 53-47 percent. They are major contributors this time too, having given $252,000 so far with more expected before the Nov. 6 election.

Gay-marriage supporters say the incidents cited by NOM are mostly related to non-discrimination laws and have nothing to do with gay marriage. Even if gay marriage fails, businesses will continue to be required to provide goods and services to gays and lesbians because of the non-discrimination law approved by voters in 2005.

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Open Season targets all of Maine's political wildlife, from Portland city government to the donkeys, elephants and independents stalking the Statehouse and U.S. Capitol.

John Richardson joined the Press Herald in 1990 after working as a reporter in New Jersey. He has covered a variety of beats, including marine issues, the environment and health care. He is now covering politics and focusing on Maine's U.S. Senate race.
John can be reached at 791-6324 or jrichardson@pressherald.com
On Twitter: @jrichmaine

Colin Woodard has covered politics and elections for more than two decades, from Bosnia and Bucharest to Washington, D.C., Augusta, and Portland City Hall. He has written for a wide range of national and international publications and is the author of four books, including "American Nations," a history of North America's regional cultures. He joined the Portland Press Herald at the end of April and covers political finance and lobbying, among other things.
Colin can be reached at 791-6317 or cwoodard@pressherald.com

Susan Cover has covered Maine politics for 10 years and worked in Kansas, Ohio and Rhode Island as a reporter. This year, she is focusing on covering the same-sex marriage debate for MaineToday Media.
Susan can be reached at 621-5643 or scover@mainetoday.com

Michael Shepherd joined MaineToday Media in May 2012 after graduating from the University of Maine in Orono, where he edited The Maine Campus, the student newspaper there. Until November he'll be writing the Truth Test, a recurring feature analyzing political statements and advertising.
Michael can be reached at 621-5632 or mshepherd@mainetoday.com

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