Doolittle May Drop Reelection Bid

By John Bresnahan

(The Politico)  Embattled Rep. John Doolittle (R-Calif.), who is under federal investigation over his ties to imprisoned former GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff, will drop his bid for a 10th term, according to a California political blog.

Doolittle may drop out as early as this week, reported the California Majority Report, clearing the way for former state Rep. Rico Oller to run for the seat.

Doolittle's office did not respond to a call seeking comment at press time, although House GOP insiders said that the report was true.

Doolittle and his wife, Julie, have been under investigation for months over their ties to Abramoff, and their home was searched last year by FBI agents. Although Republican leaders forced Doolittle off the powerful Appropriations Committee following the search, Doolittle has continued to seek reelection, claiming he did nothing wrong.

Julie Doolittle did consulting work for Abramoff while Doolittle himself wrote to a federal agency on behalf of Abramoff's tribal gaming clients.