Google is reportedly getting closer and closer with the Republican party, which may come as a surprise to some given that the company was one of the top contributors to the Obama campaign.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the technology giant is broadening its outreach to the GOP, has hired a “string of Republican operatives” to help it build relationships with Republican lawmakers, and has “evened out” its campaign donations which had previously favored Democrats.

It’s not news that Google has been contributing more and more to conservative functions. The company has been increasing its contributions since 2011, and according to the Journal, some of these directly oppose some of Google’s publicized stances on gay marriage, immigration and greenhouse gas reduction.

In 2012, the company made headlines when it sponsored a Tea Party-hosted CPAC, which Google said was a perfect chance for it to promote its Google Politics & Elections dashboard.

According to Politico, Google Innovation Evangelist Michele Weslander Quaid is joining the board of directors of Voter Gravity, a campaign tech company, which serves GOP candidates and conservative groups. It offers products like map-based walk lists, integrated phone banking and a mobile canvassing app.

Among noteworthy Republicans Google has added to its staff are Rep. Susan Molinari, former George W. Bush aide Rob Saliterman and GOP campaign spokesperson Jill Hazelbaker, John McCain campaign vet Niki Christoff, foerm McCain general counsel Pablo Chavez, and former Republican Speaker of the House staffer Seth Webb.

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