U.S. lawmaker under investigation won't run again

11 Jan 2008 // Republican Rep. John Doolittle of California, under investigation for more than two years for ties to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, announced on Thursday he would not seek re-election in November.

Republican sources said Doolittle yielded to pressure from party leaders, who fear he would undermine their chances to win back control of the House of Representatives unless he declared plans to retire.

Federal investigators have been looking at whether Doolittle received campaign contributions in return for doing legislative favors for Abramoff and his clients.

Doolittle, who has denied any wrongdoing, said he was stepping down at the end of his ninth two-year term next January because he and his wife, Julie, had had decided it was time to move on.

"We are at peace with this choice and look forward to starting a new chapter in our lives," Doolittle told a news conference in his California district.

"John's decision was made in the best interests of his family, his constituents, and the House," said House Republican Leader John Boehner of Ohio.

"My prayers remain with John and Julie, and I wish them the best as they work to bring this difficult process to a resolution," Boehner said.

Republicans lost control of the House to Democrats in the 2006 election, largely because of scandals involving their members.

Their ability to win back the 435-member House in November has been hurt, in part, because 19 Republicans have decided to retire or seek another office compared to just four Democrats.

Doolittle has long been under investigation for his dealings with Abramoff, who was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty in 2006 to fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to bribe public officials.

Melanie Sloan of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, welcomed Doolittle's decision to retire, but called it long overdue.

"Rep. Doolittle's constituents deserve a representative focused on their needs, rather than one focused on his own legal problems," Sloan said.

Doolittle's 4th District extends from Lake Tahoe up the Sierra Nevada mountain range to the Oregon border, encompassing seven entire counties.