Tulsi Gabbard’s father, Mike Gabbard, also pivoted from anti-gay activism to a career in local politics in Hawaii. He mounted a House bid in 2004 and fielded questions about his extensive ties to Butler and the group’s past attempts to back candidates. Mike Gabbard described himself as a “Catholic” who was “eternally thankful to Chris Butler.”

Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) told the nominee at one point that “it would befit you and be helpful for the way you’re perceived by members of the Intelligence Committee” to acknowledge that National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden harmed national security.