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.
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.
"Certainly the polling shows that he's in a difficult position and I do think it would be best if he didn't seek re-election," Campbell said.
Here's the good news: Doolittle's response.
Doolittle was defiant in a written statement responding to Campbell's comments.
"I hope John Campbell never has to experience what Julie and I have been going through the past 3 and a quarter years," he said. "If he ever does, he will truly understand how frustrating it can be for people to attack your honor and integrity."
And the chair of the Republican delegation in California, himself a target in 2008, came running to Doolittle's aid:
The head of the California Republican House delegation, Rep. David Dreier, R-San Dimas, offered words of support Wednesday.
"It's up to John Doolittle and John Doolittle says he's running for re-election," Dreier said. "And obviously he's got lots of challenges with which he's trying to deal, but he's a good, hardworking member and we'll see what happens. It's very early on."
Expect "Dreier and Doolittle: Perfect Together" to come up in CA-26 messaging.
I love "Republicans in disarray" stories, don't you?
This just keep getting better. Doolittle had another conference call with reporters today about the FBI raid on his house. He repeated that accusations that the raid had to do with rehabbing Gonzales's reputation and went one further, into bat-shit crazy talk. SacBee
But it wasn't Republicans trying to do the rehabilitating, Doolittle said. It was embedded Democratic staffers in the Justice Department who were responsible because of the party's "Republican culture of corruption" campaign.
I mean really...who the heck actually believes that there are Democratic staffers in Justice any more? I thought that the "Monica problem" got all of them out of there. How the heck would Democrats benefit from improving Abu's reputation? That is just preposterous. Doolittle is really flailing here.
"The sharks are starting to circle" says one Doolittle supporter and local activist. The likelihood that Doolittle will face a primary challenger, at the very least, is increasing. The insider rag Roll Call has the juicy details.
(You can also give money to Jerry and Charlie via the Calitics ActBlue page. - promoted by Brian Leubitz)
Just hit the inbox:
Many have asked if I'm planning to run again. In 2006, I learned how much money and manpower it takes to put together a winning campaign, and how having those resources in place as early as possible is crucial for anyone seeking to take on an entrenched and well-funded incumbent like Doolittle.
That's why I've recently re-formed my campaign committee--to see if enough support exists to warrant another candidacy, and why I am asking you to consider making a contribution to Charlie Brown for Congress today.
Full email after the jump with info on an upcoming blog chat with our Blue America friends.
