Calif. Lawmaker (Doolittle) Finds Tepid GOP Support - AP

Calif. Lawmaker Finds Tepid GOP Support

Wednesday November 21, 2007 11:46 PM

By ERICA WERNER

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Rep. John Doolittle is garnering
tepid public support from his California GOP colleagues
in the latest sign of his slumping political fortunes as
he aims for re-election while under criminal investigation.

Doolittle, a nine-term conservative who represents a heavily
Republican district in northernmost California, is under
scrutiny along with his wife, Julie, for their ties to jailed
lobbyist Jack Abramoff. The ethics cloud nearly cost him re-
election last year and since then his legal problems have
worsened with grand jury subpoenas issued to him and aides
and an FBI raid on his home.

In recent weeks Doolittle has sought out fellow Republicans in
California's House delegation for one-on-one discussions aimed
at assessing and shoring up his support, according to several
lawmakers who met with him. Doolittle, who has denied
wrongdoing and has not been charged with any crime, declined
to comment.

House Republican leaders are short on campaign funds to shore
up weak incumbents and eager to shake off the taint of ethics
scandals. They have pointedly passed up chances to endorse
Doolittle despite a policy of supporting incumbents.

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