MINNEAPOLIS — The man who is leading efforts against gay marriage around the country says his mission is to make voters understand what’s at stake.

Frank Schubert used to be a well-paid political consultant for what he jokingly calls “the forces of evil” — tobacco, timber and drug companies.

But in the years since Schubert led the 2008 campaign to repeal gay marriage in California, his work has expanded to focus on gay marriage nationwide. He’s running campaigns against it in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington.

Some national polls show public opinion gradually shifting toward acceptance of gay marriage, and eight states now allow it.

Schubert says marriage between a man and a woman is “fundamental to our nature as people.”