The Associated Press reports on the two new campaign videos launched this week by Protect Marriage Maine:

A high school guidance counselor whose job was targeted after he spoke out against same-sex marriage is featured in a television campaign by gay marriage opponents that launches Monday.

One of the two ads by Protect Marriage Maine features Donald Mendell of Palmyra, who was subject of a complaint with the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation after appearing on TV during a 2009 referendum in which the state’s gay marriage law was repealed.

The ad says that in states where same-sex marriage has been legalized, opponents like Mendell have been ‘‘fired, sued, fined and punished.’’

‘‘I was a successful school counselor in Maine for over 20 years — once nominated as teacher of the year. Yet when I supported traditional marriage, they tried to get me fired,’’ Mendell says in the 30-second television spot.

A second ad says the rights of same-sex couples can be protected through an existing domestic registry without the need for changing the definition of marriage. ‘‘Every Mainer has a right to love whom they choose but nobody has the right to redefine marriage,’’ it says.

With a month to go until Election Day, the television campaign marks a public escalation in debate by gay marriage opponents, who've been outspent in the campaign.

You can watch the videos below and find out more at ProtectMarriageMaine.com:

Protect Marriage Maine TV Ad – Don Mandell

Protect Marraige Maine TV Ad – Marriage Serves Maine