The American Civil Liberties Union has hired Edelman vice chair and high-profile GOP advisor Steve Schmidt to lead a $10M campaign for marriage equality across the 50 states which the group acknowledges will need Republican support.

schmidtSchmidt, who ran Sen. John McCain's 2008 presidential bid and was played by Woody Harrelson in the film "Game Change," joined Edelman in 2010 as vice chair after a stint at Mercury Public Affairs.

"The issue of marriage equality is the Republican Party's best chance to stand on the right side of history, create a meaningful legacy of fairness, and maintain relevance with young voters," said Schmidt, who retains his role with Edelman.

The ACLU announced the hire today to coincide with the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act, paving the way for gay marriage in states that approve such unions. The group has also hired conservative strategist Jimmy LaSalvia of GOProud to target gay conservatives, particularly within the Tea Party.

Executive director Anthony Romero said Schmidt will spearhead a $10M campaign to strike down state-based laws against gay marriage in states like Oregon, Hawaii, and Montana, including outreach to Republicans.

Romero said the court's decision today will pave the way for full equality, adding, "But for a full civil liberties victory, we need broad-based support from coast to coast."

Schmidt guided PR for the Bush administration's nominations to the Supreme Court of now-Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito. He also advised Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's re-election and President George W. Bush at the White House.

The ACLU said it will officially launch the campaign June 27 with a full-age ad in the Wall Street Journal.