in our politics lead, more on one of the masterminds behind today s back to back briefings, republican congressman devin nunes, a key ally to the trump white house having a quiet and major influence on the russia investigation despite officially kind of recusing himself from it. cnn s tom foreman reports. reporter: out of 50-plus members of congress none appears closer to donald trump than devin nunes. very courageous man, courageous. congressman devin nunes. thank you very much, devin, for being here: appreciate it. reporter: california republican in office 15 years and didn t gain notoriety until trump s transition team and then started making headlines as the head of the house intelligence committee. that s where he s proven so value to believe the president amid the russia investigation. nunes grabbed attention a year ago when he dramatically