Give it your best shot
It will just wind up being a matter of perception.
Since Ashcroft is a so called "born again" christian, you should have no problem finding instances of Ashcroft witnessing his faith. The question will be, does it rise to the level of "shoving it down our throat". I don't doubt that he wishes we all thought like him. Don't we all?
Ashcroft's faith is no more an abberation than homosexuality and neither proclivity precludes an individual from decent public service. However, I have no doubt that a gay politician might be more likely to want to "shove it down your throat".
Careful, you may be flirting with hypocrisy.