It's not a case of tilting rightward so much as it is a sign of Google growing up. This is a corporation with a wide range of interests to represent in Washington, and that requires good relations with both sides of the aisle.

Several years ago, Google and other Silicon Valley shops realized they could no longer ignore Washington and hope for benevolent neglect in return. This diversification is simply the next step in that process, and -- at the risk of sounding hopelessly inside-the-Beltway -- a no-brainer for a $176 billion company with business before all three branches of the federal government.

Seeking input from all sides also reflects Google's evidence-driven culture. As Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt said recently at the New America Foundation (where, full disclosure, he chairs New America's Board), Google abhors fact-free discussions: "In God we trust. All others must bring data." 

And valuable data -- much like valuable Beltway connections -- come in red and blue alike.