Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) pushed back Sunday against NBC’s Kristin Welker after the Meet the Press host challenged Republican advertising about Democratic Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and allegations involving members of his family, as reported by PJ Media.

The exchange centered on whether Republicans should continue highlighting alleged connections between El-Sayed’s relatives and organizations that the U.S. government has previously identified as supporting terrorism.

Scott, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), rejected Welker’s argument that there was no evidence tying El-Sayed himself to terrorist organizations.

Gold. Upgraded. Buy real gold from $1. Store it in America. Sell it with one click.

Welker repeatedly sought to distinguish El-Sayed from the activities and associations of relatives and political allies.

Welker began by telling Scott that the NRSC had continued publishing social media posts claiming El-Sayed had “terrorist ties.”

“The NRSC continues to put out social media posts claiming that Abdul El-Sayed has un/unquote terrorist ties. And yet, there is no evidence that he has terrorist ties, Senator. Should the NRSC stop running those ads?”

Scott responded by pointing to allegations involving El-Sayed's family.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

“Well, we know- we know without question that he had family members who helped resource Osama bin Laden. We know without question that he campaigns with Piker, who said at one point that America deserved 9/11.”

Welker then attempted to narrow the discussion to El-Sayed's own statements and beliefs.

“Let's stay focused on El-Sayed and what he has said and believes in. There's no evidence...”

The dispute comes as Republicans seek to make national-security issues part of the Michigan Senate contest between El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers.

Among the allegations cited in the discussion are claims concerning El-Sayed's birth mother, Fatten Elkomy, who reportedly worked for the Islamic American Relief Agency, also known as the Islamic African Relief Agency.

According to the material cited in the original report, the Treasury Department designated IARA in 2004 as an organization supporting terrorism and alleged connections involving al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden, and Hamas.

El-Sayed's maternal uncle, Mohamed Elkomy, also reportedly worked for IARA.

Another focus has been El-Sayed's father-in-law, Dr. Tayeb Jukaku. The original report says Jukaku was associated with three organizations described as Muslim Brotherhood-related organizations that were identified as unindicted co-conspirators in the Holy Land Foundation case.

It also says Jukaku served on the Founders Committee of the Islamic Society of North America and was president of CAIR Michigan for five years. The report further states that he remains on CAIR's board.

The Republican side has also highlighted El-Sayed's political relationship with Hasan Piker. Scott cited Piker during the NBC interview while arguing that political associations should be considered when voters evaluate candidates.

Welker again disputed the broader characterization, telling Scott, “Just to be very clear, there is no evidence that El-Sayed supports any terrorist organization.”

Scott also raised other positions attributed to El-Sayed, including support for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The discussion turned toward El-Sayed's views on Islam and Sharia law after Welker referenced a Washington Post opinion article concerning coverage of the Democratic candidate.

She asked Scott whether Republicans were attempting to frighten voters.

“Are Republicans trying to scare voters?”

Scott answered, “Not at all.”

The NRSC has continued backing Rogers as the Republican alternative in the Michigan race. The campaign is expected to remain closely watched as both parties attempt to frame the contest around national security, immigration and the candidates' political associations.

The Sunday exchange also drew criticism from conservative media figures, with NewsBusters' Jorge Bonilla characterizing Welker's questioning as “running crisis comms” for El-Sayed.

At the center of the dispute is a basic campaign question: how much weight should voters give a candidate's own statements and positions versus the associations and activities of relatives and political allies?

Republicans are emphasizing those connections, while Welker pressed Scott for evidence that El-Sayed himself supports a terrorist organization.

That distinction is likely to remain part of the Michigan Senate debate as the campaign moves forward.

Gold is the oldest answer. SoundMoney makes owning it as easy as the apps you already use.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.