Rep. John Doolittle (R-CA) was twice named one of the most corrupt members of Congress in CREW's report, Beyond DeLay. There were numerous reasons Doolittle earned that distinction in both 2006 and 2007, including Doolittle's relationship with Jack Abramoff.

Today, rumors swirled that Doolittle would soon announce that he was retiring from Congress according to the Politico:

Doolittle may drop out as early as this week, according to 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 the report was true.

Although "House GOP insiders" confirmed the rumor, the Politico piece was updated with a denial from Doolittle's office:

UPDATE: Doolittle's office, while not commenting directly on the California Majority Report item, is denying that Doolittle is dropping his reelection bid.

"There is nothing new to report at our end at all," said Ron Rogers, Doolittle's chief of staff. "Mr. Doolittle is moving ahead with his plans for this year, including reelection."