GOP rep says Doolittle shouldn't seek re-election
WASHINGTON (AP) - Political pressure on GOP Rep. John Doolittle grew Wednesday as a fellow California House Republican said it would be best if Doolittle didn't run for re-election.
Doolittle, a nine-term conservative from Rocklin, is under Justice Department investigation in the influence-peddling probe involving jailed GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff. His fundraising has slowed and he's drawing Republican primary challengers amid mounting concerns that he would not be able to win re-election next year despite the fact his district is among the most conservative in California.
The 'influence peddling' involved sweat shops and the sex trade in the Northern Mariana Islands, and possibly the firing of the US Attorney for the NMI when he tried to look into it. Details in the archives of Dump Doolittle and Doolittle Facts.org.
GOP Rep. John Campbell of Orange County became the first House member to say publicly Wednesday what other lawmakers and aides are saying privately - that Doolittle should step aside and not run for re-election.
"I am very concerned about the situation in that district and our ability to comfortably hold what is a safe Republican district," Campbell said in an interview with The Associated Press.
Doolittle is facing two declared Republican opponents, one of whom - political newcomer Eric Egland - raised more money than the incumbent in the third quarter of this year. Other Republicans are waiting in the wings and have expressed interest in the race if Doolittle steps aside.
Doolittle has insisted he won't drop out, and said in his statement that he has received local support for his re-election.
He barely won re-election last year against Democrat Charlie Brown, who's seeking a rematch this year and is way ahead of Doolittle in fundraising, with more than $380,000 cash on hand to Doolittle's $77,700.
There you have it. The Repug 'leadership' in DC is ready to toss the Abramoff-related criminal overboard rather than lose the district to a Dem. No Semper Fi in this bunch. They must know the actual facts of the situation, and don't want Doolittle to get re-elected and then have to go to jail during his term. Why, that might make the news!
The Wes' Coas' Faction of Alternate Brain, strategically located in CA-04 (at my house) so as to bring you the latest on the eagerly anticipated, long hoped-for upcoming downfall of Doolittle, is 100% solidly behind retired USAF LightColonel (looks like he got out of the Air Fundies in the nick of time) Charlie Brown For Congress.
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