Jerry Lewis To Retire?

According to conservative columnist Robert Novak, Rep. Jerry Lewis will not be seeking re-election to his San Bernardino County-based district.  If he retired, it would mark the end of a near-30 year House career as one of Congress’ leading appropriators.  Lewis served as House Appropriations Committee Chairman from 2004-2006, and is now the committee’s ranking member.

He would also be the first member that Democrats have targeted as ethically challenged to step down.  The Department of Justice has been looking at Lewis’ relationship with lobbyist/former Congressman Bill Lowery, who profited handsomely from earmarks the congressman directed to his clients. His campaign paid over $900,000 to law firms over the last election cycle – the second-most in Congress. 

In an earlier column, Novak mentioned that San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus would be a leading replacement, if Lewis stepped down.  Other possible candidates include: state senator Bob Dutton, and state Assemblymen Bill Emmerson and Paul Cook.