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.”

Tulsi Gabbard, President Trump's nominee to serve as the director of national intelligence, testifies Thursday morning at a confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee. The 43-year-old former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii and combat veteran would oversee the nation's 18 spy agencies.

Analysis: Democrats grandstanded, but it might be the questioning of two Republican hawks that sinks Trump’s pick for Director of National Intelligence, Eric Garcia reports

President Trump’s choice to serve as the director of national intelligence faced tough questions from senators in both parties.

Tulsi Gabbard arrives for her confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill on Thursday. | Francis Chung/POLITICO President Donald Trump’s nominee to be the nation’s top spy chief faced a volley of combative questions from Democrats at her nomination hearing Thursday,