GOP Gov. hopeful in MA picks openly Gay Richard Tisei

Massachusetts Republican gubernatorial hopeful Charlie Baker has picked an openly gay running mate.

Baker announced that he had picked State Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei on his campaign website and Facebook page.

"Richard has years of experience fighting for the taxpayer on Beacon Hill and I'm thrilled to have him on the team," Baker said in a statement.

"It is not exactly a news flash," Tisei said of his sexuality. "I don't think people really care these days."

Tisei fought for marriage equality in Massachusetts and supported a state challenge to the federal Defense Of Marriage Act.

Sexuality is really fast on its way to becoming a non-issue, at least in Massachusetts.

From the Globe:

Republican Charles D. Baker has chosen state Senate minority leader Richard R. Tisei to be his running mate in next year’s race for governor.

Baker made the announcement this morning on his website and sent his supporters a message via Twitter and Facebook.

“Want you to be the first to know: I’ve chosen State Senator Richard Tisei as my running mate,” Baker wrote. “Excited about this team.”

Tisei, 47, was one of four finalists. He publicly disclosed last week to the Globe that he is gay. The senator from Wakefield, who has been in the Legislature since he was 22, will provide balance for Baker, whose only experience in elective office was a stint as a Swampscott selectman. Tisei and Baker have known each other for years, and Tisei is Baker’s campaign chairman. A press conference has been scheduled later today.

Here's how he came out last week:

Tisei was first elected to the House at age 22 and moved to the Senate in 1991. His sexual orientation has been an open secret on Beacon Hill, and he disclosed it publicly yesterday in an interview with the Globe, anticipating the scrutiny that would accompany a statewide candidacy. “It is not exactly a news flash,’’ he said . “I don’t think people really care these days.’’

Asked the Boston Phoenix: "Is this the most casual self-outing by a gay Republican in the history of politics or what?"