These days , their grassroots organization is reaching out to sympathetic Republicans in states debating same-sex marriage initiatives , such as New Hampshire . Steve Schmidt served as Sen. McCain 's presidential campaign manager . He is a former chief of staff to President George W. Bush and deputy director for policy planning at the White House National Security Council. Conservatives should embrace same-sex marriage , Schmidt told the group . The party , he argued , will grow by accepting gay rights .
Steve Schmidt served as Sen. McCain 's presidential campaign manager . He is a former chief of staff to President George W. Bush and deputy director for policy planning at the White House National Security Council. Conservatives should embrace same-sex marriage , Schmidt told the group . The party , he argued , will grow by accepting gay rights .